Chapter 210: Varkhaz’s Ambition

Hector successfully repelled the fragmented rocks away from them.

When another batch headed their way, he would immediately jump to protect Seraphina.

The target of the Hellfire Barrage was clear—it was Seraphina, and Hector immediately protected her.

With him around, the Holy Knight was astonished and slowly pushed his sword back into its scabbard.

It appeared that Max did not want him to make a move yet.

The Holy Knight also understood. If Varkhaz noticed another presence bearing the Authority of Salvation while also possessing a combat class, he would definitely go all out, increasing the casualties as a result.

They needed to fight for a long duration, not engage in an all-out battle from the start...

...

When Varkhaz saw the appearance of Jeremiah, he was shocked.

He could perceive a Divine Authority emanating from his very existence, but he could not determine what it was.

It was closer to the Authority of Salvation, yet not quite the same.

Another human bearing a Divine Authority? What’s happening?!

Divine Authorities were powerful legacy classes from SS-rank and above.

They were divine-grade inheritances that allowed a mortal to embody a specific principle or authority originally belonging to a godlike entity.

A Divine Authority was a supernatural legacy possessed by individuals who had inherited, awakened, or been chosen to wield a fragment of a higher divine power.

It was not merely mana, a skill, or a normal Class.

A person with a Divine Authority essentially possessed a connection to a divine concept.

Unlike ordinary Classes, a Divine Authority represented the manifestation of a fundamental divine principle within a mortal vessel.

Only beings possessing extraordinary potential could awaken one.

Based on the demons’ knowledge, there were quite a handful of Divine Authorities born from the Empire, but only the Authority of Salvation had remained up to this day.

The appearance of another Divine Authority meant a revival of Divine Authority within the Empire—an ominous development.

Varkhaz was frowning and pondering how to deal with Max and his Radiant Knights when he perceived another Radiant Knight protecting Seraphina with ease.

He jumped continuously, carrying the two large tower shields as if they weighed nothing.

His eyes widened as his burning gaze fixated on Max.

He’s indeed a threat. More than just a variable.

No wonder even Ignaroth was slain by him.

Given that he deliberately provoked me and raised his own Legion to fight me, he must be confident that he can defeat me!

Should I retreat?

He was contemplating heavily when he was startled awake by a sudden thought.

Bringing the corpse of a bearer of another Divine Authority should reward me immensely.

Perhaps the Demon King will reward me with a Demon Lord’s Core!

Greed instantly overwhelmed his sanity.

This is my only chance. If he grows stronger and the Demon King learns of my encounter with him, yet I did not take the chance to bring his head to him, I will be executed.

This is my only chance.

Clutching the hilt of his Ashrender, he swung it forward and said, "My captains, we should end the battle now."

The captains were stunned.

They immediately assessed the current battle and were even more perplexed.

Although the Demon Hunters had gained the upper hand, it was only by a small margin.

Eventually, the Demon Hunters would be defeated because of the demons’ superior physiques—their enhanced endurance and strength.

In fact, once they joined the battle, they would inevitably become victorious.

There was no need for Varkhaz to participate.

Now that the variable had appeared, he could not achieve victory through his personal strength alone.

Seeing that his captains had not made a move yet and appeared confused, Varkhaz was not infuriated.

He explained, "Most of you are idiots, indeed. That’s why you all can’t defeat me despite being at the same rank as me."

The captains were speechless.

Varkhaz had suddenly insulted them out of the blue.

Varkhaz pointed at Max and said, "Belzura, you were the one who mentioned the variable, but you failed to understand the reason?

"He is the bearer of a Divine Authority. Although it’s unknown, it’s as terrifying as the Authority of Salvation.

"You should know that bringing the corpse of someone who possesses a Divine Authority will grant us bountiful rewards from the Demon King... even more so when it comes to an Authority different from the Authority of Salvation.

"This is our chance, my stupid captains."

The captains were startled awake.

Even Vexir, who was on the frontline, was astonished after hearing Varkhaz’s words.

They cast a glance at Max and finally saw his Radiant Knights protecting the Saintess and commanding the Demon Hunters’ forces, which actually helped them go toe-to-toe with Vexir and his commanded allies.

Without hesitation, the captains disappeared from their positions and began joining the battle.

Varkhaz watched his captains advance toward the frontline and remained frozen on the spot for now.

He wanted Max to reveal every trump card before making a move—only then could he strategically form a plan to deal with him.

He did not become a Commander for no reason.

His Strategic Conqueror personality, which preferred manipulation before destruction, was what brought him to the attention of the General, eventually promoting him to his current position.

The ten captains under him were personally chosen by him.

As for his Legions, they were naturally granted to him.

To him, his Legions were nothing but cannon fodder—his interests lay above them...

Even above his own ten captains.

It was precisely why he did not mind sacrificing his ten captains to successfully bring Max’s head to the Demon King’s army.

Even Belzura, who had already confessed her love for him and secretly became his partner, was nothing but a disposable individual when placed against a fixed reward that could possibly grant his ambition.

To become a Demon Lord.

Varkhaz sought nothing but to reach that height.

He did not simply want to command a Legion.

He wanted to own a territory.

And someday...

Become a Demon King.

Max would be his first stepping stone toward his grandiose goal...

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