Emperor's Reckoning

The shock that rippled through the onlookers, young masters, and the patriarchs was palpable, leaving them in a stunned silence as they tried to make sense of the sudden turn of events. Kesya's audacious assault had caught them completely off guard, disrupting the tense conversation that had been unfolding.

The reactions among the crowd varied, with some individuals gasping in astonishment, while others exchanged bewildered glances. The unexpected violence had injected a sense of chaos into the previously controlled atmosphere. Ardan, who had been taunting Lyon, now found himself facing a new and unpredictable challenge.

As Reklom lay on the ground, his figure sprawled amidst the newly formed crater, his expression was a mix of surprise and disbelief. Kesya's swift and decisive action had left an indelible impression on the witnesses, with the ground still quaking from the impact.

In the midst of the shock and chaos, the confrontation had taken an entirely unexpected turn, and the crowd struggled to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics.

"How can this be?!" Ardan's mind raced with disbelief as he stood in horror, grappling with the unexpected turn of events. He couldn't fathom how a situation that had been under control just moments ago had spiraled into chaos. The audacious assault by Kesya had shattered his expectations and left him with a sense of incredulity, forcing him to confront an entirely new and unpredictable reality.

His voice was laced with fury as he leaped toward Kesya, his presence overwhelming. "This insolence will not go unpunished."

Reklom's anger and determination were evident in his words as he signaled his intent to reengage in the battle, determined to address the audacious assault and maintain control over the situation.

Kesya's grin widened as she eagerly engaged with the furious Reklom, their clash sending shockwaves through the area. "Do NOT disappoint me," she taunted, relishing the challenge.

Ardan attempted to come to the aid of the progenitor, but Seraphina blocked his path. Ardan's frustration was evident as he frowned and questioned her. "You dare to stand in my way, Seraphina?"

Seraphina stood her ground with a bow in hand, her expression resolute. "Since you raised your claw against the dear friend of my emperor, I'm more than happy to stand in your way."

The battlefield was now a chaotic spectacle, with Kesya locked in a fierce battle with the furious progenitor, Reklom, and Seraphina determined to keep Ardan from intervening. Tensions ran high as the clash continued, and the fate of Lyon and the ongoing confrontation hung in the balance.

Cecile's eyes shrewd and calculating, she turned her attention to Lyon, her tone measured. "This battle would end quickly if we can prove that you really are the Zodiac Emperor."

He looked at Cecile with a sense of urgency. "How?"

She sighed, her expression thoughtful. "That's the million mana questions."

As Lyon and Cecile grappled with the idea of proving Lyon's identity as the Zodiac Emperor in the midst of the chaotic battle, the challenge of finding a concrete solution loomed before them.

Selena stood her ground firmly, her feet planted with unwavering determination. The air around her seemed to hum with anticipation as the manifestations of swords began to materialize. Each ethereal blade took its place, hovering above her head, a testament to her extraordinary mastery of the sword. It was a sight that exuded power and skill.

Liam, on the other hand, couldn't contain his shock as he witnessed the mastery that Selena possessed. His eyes widened, and his facial features contorted with a mix of astonishment and awe. The level of swordsmanship she displayed was one that many swordsmen dream of achieving but rarely attain. The depth of her skill left him in profound amazement, and he couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer brilliance of her display.

He called out to his patriarch Oren, his voice tinged with amazement. "Patriarch Oren!

However, when he turned his attention to Oren, he was met with a similar expression of shock. He could see Oren's lips moving, muttering the words, "Sword... hymn..." The realization of the exceptional skill displayed by Selena seemed to have left them both in awe, their voices barely above a whisper as they grasped the significance of what they were witnessing.

Fuming with anger, Drako's focus shifted toward Selena and Karina, preparing for the impending battle. But before he could voice his thoughts, Elara descended right beside them. His anger flared, his voice dripping with frustration and disbelief. "Are you kidding me, Elara?! You're siding with the fraud!?"

Drako's fury was evident as he confronted Elara, unable to comprehend her decision to align herself with Lyon, whom he considered a fraud.

She stood her ground, her voice steady. "That remains to be seen, but I have faith in the matriarch, more faith than in you."

His face contorted with frustration, and he clenched his fists. "So be it then!"

As the elders and elites charged at Elara, Selena, and Karina, the battlefield erupted into a frenzy of action. The Moonshadow clan's archery experts provided crucial support from the air, their arrows raining down with deadly accuracy.

The clash was chaotic, with a flurry of strikes, parries, and arrows filling the air. Elara, Selena, and Karina faced the combined assault with determination, their skills and abilities put to the test in the midst of the intense battle. The clash of forces on both sides created a tumultuous scene, where each participant fought for their respective beliefs and alliances.

Cecile's blood boiled with excitement as she witnessed the clash unfolding before her. However, before she leaped into the fray, she turned her gaze to Lyon, seeking his approval. Lyon nodded with a reassuring smile.

She grinned as she faced the battle, her anticipation palpable. "Time to rampage, grandpa!"

Sun's laughter echoed as Cecile adorned Heaven's Fury. "Sure thing!"

As she entered the stage, her presence commanded attention. "War Goddess is here, keep up!" With a fierce determination, she immediately swept through the elites, her power and aura unmatched.

Selena grunted in acknowledgment of Cecile's arrival, recognizing the formidable force that had just joined the battle.

As the chaos of battle raged on, Drako appeared as a mere silhouette amidst the mayhem. His figure moved stealthily, weaving through the tumultuous clash of forces, the dim light and shadows of the battlefield shrouding him. His intent was clear as he closed in on his target, taking advantage of the pandemonium to approach Lyon unnoticed.