The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order - Chapter 1284

Chapter 1284: I will take it (I) Chapter 1284: I will take it (I) As those words sank in, Cain, Meylin, and Helios gazed at the Demon King with solemn expressions.

Becoming the heir of such a powerful figure would undoubtedly bring immense gifts and treasures, but it was more than clear to all of them that the Prima Depravita Path was not something anyone could just take on; after all, it took millions of years for the ancient monster to embark on it.  The Demon King paused, allowing them a moment to absorb the magnitude of what he’d just shared before continuing.

“Of course, I can only have one heir,” he said, his tone heavy with authority.

“Honestly, I intended to choose the one who would complete the Blood and Hunger Trials.

I never imagined that three of you would make it all the way through, so I suppose I’ll have to make a choice.” The trio’s eyes narrowed at this, and a tense silence fell over them.

Meylin and Helios exchanged a quick glance as they subtly looked toward Cain.

Throughout all four trials, it was the scarlet dragon who had consistently taken the first place, securing each reward.

If the heir were to be chosen based on performance alone, the answer seemed clear.  But, contrary to their expectations, the Demon King’s gaze didn’t land on Cain.

Instead, his left eye, dark and inscrutable, fixed itself on Helios.

The Demon King examined the Archangel with a sharp, almost probing look as he began to speak.

“Your soul can use Depravita Essence as fuel, helping you grow stronger at a shocking speed,” he observed.

“Your mastery over the Oniric Truths of Destruction, Blood, Hatred, and Gluttony is impressive and aligns well with the white flames you’ve managed to evoke.

You are indeed an excellent candidate.

Teaching you would be… straightforward.” Helios couldn’t contain his reaction; a slight smile emerged, and his eyes gleamed with pride.

A thrill ran through him, a feeling of accomplishment beginning to bloom as if his success had already been determined.

But before that sense of victory could fully take root, the Demon King’s words took a harsh turn, casting a heavy shadow over his hopes.

“Unfortunately, you’re too old,” the Demon King said, his voice lacking cruelty but carrying an unyielding finality.

“I cannot have an heir who is hundreds of thousands of years old and whose potential is almost entirely spent.” The smile on Helios’s face froze, and a wave of defeat washed over him, pressing down like a lead weight.

He stood there, speechless, his gaze cast down.

Cain and Meylin looked at the Archangel in confusion and surprise.

They hadn’t suspected that Helios could be so old.

After all, he wasn’t a dragon, nor was he part of a race known for long lifespans.

Even with the Archangel Path, Helios’ soul was that of a Stellar Abyss Legend and shouldn’t have a lifespan extending beyond fifty thousand years.

Yet, there he stood, carrying the weight of untold centuries, confusing the dragon and saintess.

If the Demon King had noticed their curiosity, he gave no indication of it and did not seem intent on solving their doubts.

His focus shifted, now turning to Meylin.

His gaze seemed to pierce her as though peering into the depths of her very soul.

“Young woman, you are impressive.

There is no doubt about that.

Your destiny is… remarkable.” He paused, an inscrutable expression crossing his face.

“Your soul has reincarnated several times and has even visited the realm of the Empyrean Suns-the home of my old friend.” The Demon King’s words had no hidden agenda, but their impact on one of the people present was overwhelming.

Cain felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck him.

Pieces of a larger puzzle began falling into place in his mind, dots connecting as if some underlying truth were emerging.

However, before he could let his thoughts take over, the Power of Order surged through him, steadying his focus.

This was a critical moment, and there would be time to understand Meylin’s past once they left the Demon King’s Castle.

“Before entering this place, your understanding of the Oniric Truths I have mastered was minimal, to say the least,” the Demon King continued, his voice filled with a sense of respect.

“But you adapted quickly, rising through each challenge and proving both your talent and extraordinary potential.” Meylin allowed herself a faint smile.

Despite her usual composed and aloof demeanor, praise from someone as formidable as the Demon King was a rare honor, one that filled her with a sense of pride.

But she did not let that pride distract her.

She could sense that he was far from finished.

“But, unfortunately,” he said, his tone becoming almost regretful, “you were born in the same generation as a true monster.” The Demon King’s eye shifted, finally settling on Cain.

His gaze showed a sharp, almost menacing glint as he focused on the scarlet dragon.

“You,” he intoned, “are a true anomaly.

The Blood of Adam runs in your veins, making you a Dreamwalker.

But more than that, your entire existence resonates with the power of the Depravita Race.

I can see that you can use Depravita Essence not merely to enhance your soul but to strengthen your True Name itself.

The very core of your being grows stronger through it, something that even I find remarkable.

And yet, somehow, your willpower remains immune to its corruption.” Cain listened, his gaze remaining cold, a glint of suspicion flashing in his eyes at every mention of the Depravita Race.

He could feel the weight of the Demon King’s assessment, but he held back his thoughts, unwilling to reveal anything to the being before him.

The Demon King noticed the subtle flickers of hostility in Cain’s expression, and he raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity breaking through his composed demeanor.

“I take it that you have clashed with the Depravita Race before,” he said, his tone somewhere between a question and an observation.