Chapter 98 – Alexander Goldheart

Once, there was a tyrant king who ruled the kingdom of Empyrea with an iron fist. His reign was marked by cruelty, corruption, and endless suffering. Thousands of civilians died from hunger as famine spread throughout the kingdom. The streets were filled with starving children, while desperate parents struggled to find scraps of food for their families. Meanwhile, the corrupted knights ruled over Empyrea with absolute authority, abusing their power and crushing anyone who dared to oppose them. The people lived in constant fear, unable to escape the terrible fate that awaited them.

However, one fateful night, the tyrant king received an unexpected visitor. The Demon King himself appeared before him, bringing a terrifying prophecy that would threaten his reign. According to the prophecy, a hero would soon emerge and destroy the tyranny that had consumed Empyrea. This Chosen One would be born when the six moons of a distant planet aligned in the heavens, appearing as six brilliant stars in the night sky. The Demon King warned the king that the child would eventually become the instrument of his downfall.

Consumed by fear and paranoia, the tyrant king immediately ordered the execution of every newborn baby during the celestial alignment. His soldiers marched through the kingdom, breaking into homes and snatching infants from their terrified mothers. The cries of newborns and the desperate screams of their parents echoed throughout the streets as the royal soldiers carried out their horrific orders. This cruel policy continued for five years, leaving countless families devastated by the loss of their children.

However, one baby miraculously survived the terrible massacre. As the soldiers approached her home, the child's mother desperately searched for a way to save her precious infant. With tears streaming down her cheeks and the sounds of approaching footsteps growing louder, she carefully placed her baby inside a small basket. She then carried it toward a nearby river, praying that fate would spare her child from the king's cruelty. With trembling hands, she gently released the basket onto the flowing water and watched it drift away into the darkness. The mother could only pray that someone would find her baby before the river carried it too far.

The river eventually carried the basket toward the riverbanks behind Cathedral Exa. The gentle sound of flowing water echoed through the quiet surroundings as the basket became caught among the reeds near the cathedral grounds. Fortunately, several priests discovered the infant while walking along the riverbank. Surprised by the unexpected sight, they carefully retrieved the basket and found a baby sleeping peacefully inside. They immediately brought the child into the cathedral, where the priests and nuns welcomed him with open arms. They decided to raise the abandoned infant as one of their own, giving him the love and protection that his mother had desperately hoped he would receive.

The baby was then named Alexander.

Alexander grew up to become a kind and compassionate child. Despite being abandoned at birth, he never experienced a shortage of love within the cathedral. He frequently helped the clerics and nuns with their household chores, carrying baskets of laundry, sweeping the dusty floors, and assisting with the preparation of meals. The smell of freshly baked bread often filled the cathedral's kitchens, where Alexander happily helped the nuns whenever he could. Even when the chores became exhausting, he never complained and always offered a cheerful smile to those around him.

He was also a devout believer of the Goddess Exceria. Every morning, Alexander would kneel before her sacred altar, clasping his hands together as he offered his prayers. The golden sunlight streaming through the cathedral's stained glass illuminated his face, filling the sacred chamber with a peaceful glow. He sincerely believed that the Goddess watched over everyone, especially those who suffered under the tyrant's rule. For several years, Alexander lived peacefully within the cathedral, unaware of the terrible destiny that awaited him.

However, that peaceful existence eventually came to an end.

One day, the Demon King returned to the tyrant king's palace. His enormous presence filled the throne room with an oppressive atmosphere, and the corrupted knights trembled beneath his gaze. He informed the king that his soldiers had failed to eliminate the Chosen One. The surviving child had grown up beyond their reach, and the prophecy remained unfulfilled. Upon hearing this revelation, the tyrant king was consumed by rage. His face twisted with fury as he slammed his fist against the throne's armrest.

The king immediately ordered his soldiers to slaughter every civilian in the kingdom. He no longer cared about the consequences of his actions, determined to eliminate the hero even if it meant destroying countless innocent lives. The royal soldiers marched through the streets, their armor clattering against the stone pavement as they carried out the king's merciless orders. Soon, their horrifying advance reached Cathedral Exa.

Inside the cathedral, Alexander heard the screams of frightened civilians and the terrible sounds of soldiers breaking through the doors. The peaceful sanctuary had suddenly become a place of terror. The clerics and nuns desperately gathered the orphaned children, attempting to protect them from the approaching soldiers. However, Alexander refused to abandon his fellow orphans. Despite his fear, he stepped forward and stood between the children and the corrupted knights, determined to protect those who had given him a home.

The soldiers showed no mercy. One of them raised his blade and thrust it directly into Alexander's chest. The sharp pain overwhelmed him as the cold steel pierced his heart. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the cathedral floor. The world around him gradually faded into darkness as the cries of the frightened children echoed in his ears. His first life ended there, in the very sanctuary where he had spent his childhood.

However, death was not the end of Alexander's journey.

At that moment, Alexander found himself standing in the afterlife, surrounded by an endless expanse of brilliant light. The overwhelming darkness that had consumed him disappeared, replaced by a warmth unlike anything he had ever experienced. Before him stood the Goddess Exceria herself, radiating an extraordinary divine presence. Her beautiful figure seemed to illuminate the entire realm, and her gentle gaze filled Alexander with a sense of peace.

The Goddess offered him her Blessing, known as Autonomous Victory. This extraordinary divine power granted him the ability to emerge victorious in every battle he participated in. It was a blessing that would allow him to overcome even the most impossible adversaries, transforming him into a hero capable of challenging the forces of darkness.

As the Goddess bestowed her blessing upon him, Alexander's shattered heart began to glow with brilliant golden light. The warmth spread throughout his body, filling his veins with divine energy. His heart was restored, and the golden radiance grew brighter until it completely enveloped him. In the next instant, Alexander returned to the world of the living.

His resurrection was witnessed by everyone inside Cathedral Exa. The clerics, nuns, and surviving orphans stared in disbelief as the young boy rose from the floor, his chest glowing with an extraordinary golden radiance. The corrupted soldiers recoiled in terror, unable to comprehend the miracle unfolding before their eyes. Alexander stood before them, his wounds completely healed and his eyes filled with newfound determination.

With the Goddess' blessing, he fought back against the corrupted soldiers and defended the cathedral. His newfound power allowed him to overcome the knights who had once seemed invincible. The sound of clashing weapons echoed through the sacred halls as Alexander protected the innocent from the tyrant's cruelty. For the first time in years, the people of Empyrea witnessed a glimmer of hope.

Everyone who witnessed his resurrection was astonished by the golden light that had emerged from his heart. They began calling him Goldheart, a name that symbolized the divine miracle that had brought him back from death. And thus, Alexander Goldheart was truly born, no longer merely an orphan raised within a cathedral, but a hero destined to change the fate of Empyrea.

However, his journey was far from over.

The Goddess Exceria entrusted Alexander with a sacred quest. He was tasked with assembling a team of extraordinary heroes who would stand together against the Demon King and bring an end to his reign of terror. Alexander accepted the mission without hesitation, knowing that countless lives depended on their success. He would travel across the world, seeking individuals whose abilities and courage could help him overcome the greatest evil threatening humanity.

His first destination was the island of elves, where he sought to recruit Lireina Ashford, the Untouchable Windwalker. Renowned for her extraordinary mastery of wind magic and unparalleled combat abilities, she was a warrior whose elegance and strength made her a formidable ally.

Next, Alexander traveled to the eastern continent, where he sought the assistance of Qinglong Yin, the Ultimate Dragon Warrior. His incredible martial prowess and draconic power made him one of the strongest warriors in the world, capable of confronting terrifying enemies with overwhelming strength.

Alexander then journeyed to the other side of the world to recruit Elwyn Logress, the Saint of Life. Her extraordinary healing abilities and divine blessings would become essential to the survival of the heroes, allowing them to endure battles against the Demon King's terrifying forces.

His next destination was the underground tunnels and hidden villages, where he sought Garruk Stonehill, the Mount Kaiser. Known for his immense strength and unwavering determination, Garruk was a warrior whose resilience could withstand even the most devastating attacks.

Alexander also ventured into the darkest corners of the slums, searching for Zerova, the Queen of Shadows. Her mastery of stealth and shadow magic made her an invaluable ally, capable of infiltrating enemy territories and striking from places where no one would expect.

Finally, he traveled to the prestigious magic academy to recruit Cattleo vi Examillenia, the Silent Warlock. A mysterious magician possessing extraordinary magical abilities, Cattleo would bring a powerful combination of intelligence and destructive magic to the team.

After countless journeys and difficult encounters, Alexander Goldheart finally succeeded in gathering all six heroes. Each possessed extraordinary abilities, unique experiences, and a determination to fight against the forces of evil.

The Celestial Wardens were finally complete.

Together, the Celestial Wardens waged war against the tyrannical kingdom of Empyrea. Their campaign was long and bloody, but with Alexander Goldheart leading the charge, they eventually succeeded in overthrowing the corrupted regime. The tyrant king was finally brought down, and the kingdom was liberated from the Demon King's influence. The second prince, who had never succumbed to the Demon King's corruption, eventually ascended to the throne. Under his leadership, Empyrea established a new government, marking the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity for its people. That man was Garius Eisenhower.

However, their journey was far from over. With the kingdom liberated, the Celestial Wardens turned their attention toward their true enemy. They launched an expedition into Hell itself, determined to put an end to the Demon King's reign once and for all. Their journey took them through the gates of the underworld, where the air was thick with the stench of sulfur and the distant screams of damned souls. Countless demonic creatures stood between them and their ultimate destination, forcing the heroes to fight their way through the depths of Hell.

It was a long and grueling battle. The Celestial Wardens endured countless injuries, exhausting their strength and magical reserves as they fought against the Demon King's overwhelming forces. The heat of Hell scorched their armor, while the ground beneath their feet trembled with every clash of their weapons. Nevertheless, they refused to surrender. Their determination carried them through the endless battlefield until they finally confronted the Demon King himself.

After an exhausting struggle, the Celestial Wardens emerged victorious. The Demon King was finally defeated, and his monstrous presence vanished from the world. The heroes had accomplished what countless warriors before them had failed to achieve. They had saved humanity from an existence of endless suffering, bringing an end to the greatest threat the world had ever known.

However, just after the Demon King's death, something snapped.

Alexander immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong. The familiar divine presence that had accompanied him throughout his journey suddenly disappeared. He could no longer hear the Goddess Exceria's voice, nor could he feel her blessing guiding his actions. The silence was overwhelming, leaving him with an unsettling feeling that something fundamental had changed.

He knew that the Demon King's death had triggered something.

The other Celestial Wardens, however, paid little attention to the strange occurrence. They had completed their quest and defeated the greatest evil in existence. As far as they were concerned, there was no reason to concern themselves with anything beyond their victory. They had saved the world, and that was all that mattered.

But Alexander knew better.

He could see the subtle changes in his companions' behavior. Their expressions, their words, and even the way they treated others had gradually become different. The heroes he had once admired were no longer the same people who had stood beside him during their journey. Their triumph had seemingly stripped away something within them, leaving behind a disturbing emptiness.

Alexander knew about their sins. He understood that the flesh of the Demon King had corrupted his fellow Celestial Wardens, twisting their minds and desires in ways they could no longer recognize. Everyone had succumbed to that corruption, even Lireina Ashford who was supposed to be immune from it.

Yet none of them seemed to care.

They had won. They had defeated the Demon King and saved the world. Whatever sins they had committed along the way, they believed their victory justified everything. Their accomplishments had become an excuse to ignore the darkness that had begun to consume them.

Alexander eventually returned to Cathedral Exa, hoping to find some semblance of peace among the clerics and nuns who had raised him. The familiar scent of incense lingered within the sacred halls, while the soft footsteps of the clergy echoed across the stone floors. For a brief moment, he believed that returning to his childhood home might help him forget the disturbing changes he had witnessed.

It was there that he met a young acolyte named Rachel Schwarzer.

Rachel was deeply infatuated with Alexander. To her, he was more than just a hero who had saved the world. He was the embodiment of everything she admired, a man whose extraordinary accomplishments had elevated him beyond ordinary mortals. Whenever he appeared before her, her heart would race, and she would struggle to hide the admiration in her eyes.

Alexander, meanwhile, had no intention of resisting her affection.

He flirted with Rachel despite knowing perfectly well that she was married to a holy knight. He understood the consequences of his actions, yet he continued regardless. In his mind, he had earned the right to indulge himself after everything he had accomplished. He had defeated the Demon King, saved humanity, and endured countless hardships. Why should he deny himself something he desired?

Besides, Rachel had made the first move.

That was enough justification for him.

He was Alexander Goldheart, the Chosen One, the hero who had saved the entire world. If anyone dared to question his actions, he could simply remind them of his accomplishments. He had become so convinced of his own greatness that he no longer cared about the boundaries he was crossing.

He believed he deserved everything.

And Rachel eventually became pregnant with Alexander's child.

The revelation shattered her marriage. When her husband discovered the truth, the two of them became embroiled in a bitter quarrel. Their arguments grew increasingly painful, each accusation cutting deeper than the last. Rachel found herself trapped between her infatuation with Alexander and the guilt of betraying the man she had married.

The weight of her actions gradually became unbearable.

She began to see herself as a terrible person, someone who had ruined her marriage and brought shame upon her family. The guilt consumed her, leaving her unable to imagine a future in which she could escape the consequences of her betrayal.

Eventually, Rachel made a devastating decision.

She chose to end both her unborn child's life and her own.

Yet Alexander never cared.

He remained indifferent to the suffering he had caused, unwilling to acknowledge the tragedy that had unfolded because of his selfishness. The hero who had once protected innocent lives had become someone who could casually destroy them without a second thought.

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The sight of Alexander and Rachel kissing was something Adzeel Schwarzer could no longer endure.

Their lips were locked together, their tongues twisting as they passionately embraced. Rachel was wrapped in Alexander's arms, seemingly oblivious to the devastation that their betrayal had caused. The sight burned itself into Adzeel's mind, filling him with an unbearable mixture of grief, humiliation, and fury.

He knew that his wife had cheated on him.

He also knew that Alexander was not entirely to blame. Rachel had willingly entered into the affair, and Adzeel understood that his marriage had been destroyed by the choices they had both made.

But understanding the truth did not make it any easier to accept.

He could not forgive them.

"Fuck you both!" Adzeel roared.

He struggled to his feet, his body trembling from the pain and exhaustion of battle. His severed arm was no longer there to support him, leaving him with nothing but his remaining strength and the weapon in his grasp. The metallic taste of blood lingered in his mouth as he gritted his teeth and used his buster sword to pull himself upright.

Alexander glanced toward him with an expression of mild surprise.

"Oh, so you're still here," he remarked.

Rachel remained in Alexander's arms, laughing at Adzeel's desperate attempt to stand. Her laughter echoed through the surroundings, cutting into Adzeel's heart like a blade. It was as though she had completely forgotten the man she had once called her husband.

Adzeel's remaining patience finally shattered.

"If that is how lowly you think of me, then I shall drag you both down with me!" he roared. "To hell with you all!"

His voice reverberated through the heavenly surroundings, carrying a hatred so profound that even the air seemed to tremble. He raised his broadsword and drove its massive blade into the ground with a deafening crash.

At that moment, the heavenly backdrop began to disappear.

The golden skies darkened, their brilliant radiance fading into an abyssal black. The beautiful clouds above them twisted and dissolved, their luminous forms melting away as though they had been consumed by an invisible force. The once peaceful surroundings were transformed into something hideous and unnatural.

Purple flames erupted from the ground, spreading across the landscape with terrifying speed. The heavenly atmosphere vanished beneath the suffocating heat, replaced by the unmistakable presence of Hell itself. The air became thick with smoke and the acrid stench of burning metal, while the ground cracked beneath the relentless fury of the flames.

Adzeel had unleashed the full power of his Apollyon Halochassis.

The armor began to melt as he continued his suicidal attack, its metal plates glowing red before dissolving beneath the overwhelming heat. Purple flames engulfed his body, crawling across his armor and consuming everything they touched. The enormous energy radiating from his Halochassis threatened to destroy the entire realm, transforming the battlefield into a blazing inferno.

Even the door through which they had entered the heavenly realm was consumed by the flames. Its surface blackened and crumbled, leaving behind nothing but burning fragments scattered across the ground.

Alexander stared at the destruction unfolding before him.

"What have you done!?" he gasped.

Adzeel could no longer contain his laughter.

"We three will spend the rest of eternity here in my Hell!" he declared.

His body continued to burn as the purple flames consumed him from within. The armor that had once protected him was now melting away, leaving him trapped inside the very inferno he had unleashed. Yet he showed no sign of regret. His eyes burned with madness, and his laughter grew louder as the flames swallowed him whole.

"Haahahahaha!"