Chapter 298: Worse Than Death 2

Seeing the crowd descending into chaos, the Imperial Guards continued attacking the formation, desperately trying to break through its defenses.

However, the formation was far more powerful than they had anticipated.

If the black flame consuming Alaric truly belonged to the Slaughter Monarch, then there was little doubt that this formation had also been arranged by him.

One of the Emperor Realm powerhouses immediately contacted the subordinate assigned to keep a close watch on Nova, asking about his current whereabouts.

The response left them momentarily stunned.

The subordinate informed them that he was also watching the broadcast and was just as shocked as everyone else by what was happening.

For a brief moment, the Emperors grew suspicious of Nova. However, they quickly dismissed their doubts, as they had more urgent matters to deal with.

Despite their repeated attacks, the formation remained intact.

Meanwhile, Alaric’s screams had gradually weakened as his power continued to decline. His level had already fallen to the Grandmaster Realm, and it was still dropping.

Yet, even in his horrifying condition, he continued writhing in agony and revealing his crimes to the entire continent.

Just then, a powerful aura descended upon the city square. Everyone immediately recognized its owner.

Caelan Everhart, the Human Emperor.

He appeared in the sky and looked down at the scene. The crowd’s gazes immediately turned toward him, filled with anticipation as they waited to hear what their ruler had to say.

Caelan surveyed the scene before raising his voice.

"My people, I know you’re furious, and so am I. This heinous criminal has committed countless atrocities while concealing them so skillfully that none of us discovered the truth. I am ashamed to admit that I failed to see what was happening right under our noses."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"As you all know, I rarely interfere in the internal affairs of the Light Temple Order. Unfortunately, that allowed a criminal like him to remain in such a high position while hiding his crimes from everyone."

His words convinced many people, who believed that their Emperor was genuinely ashamed of what had happened. However, not everyone was fooled.

Many knew that Caelan exercised considerable control over the Light Temple Order, despite his claims of rarely interfering in its affairs.

Nevertheless, few dared to question his words openly. They feared the Human Emperor and the immense power he wielded.

After all, not everyone who showed him respect did so out of genuine admiration. For many, their apparent loyalty was simply a means of avoiding his wrath.

"But worry not. It seems he is already receiving a punishment worse than death. And as you all know, today is a special day."

"Our beautiful Everhart City is expecting the arrival of the racial Emperors and other important guests from the other continents.

Although the revelation of such a criminal’s atrocities is unfortunate, it is better that the truth has finally come to light. I will not allow this pest to continue living longer."

"Furthermore, this broadcast will be stopped. We have no reason to continue watching such a disgraceful spectacle."

With that, Caelan ordered the broadcasting crystal to be shut down.

The crystal belonged to the Light Temple Order and was an extremely valuable treasure capable of transmitting images and sounds across vast distances through powerful mana formations.

Only the Imperial Castle and the Light Temple Order possessed such treasures in Everhart city, so Caelan immediately recognized it.

However, he had no idea who had activated it or was controlling the broadcast. Even the people inside the Light Temple Order appeared shocked and confused by the sudden turn of events.

Among them was Maria, who watched everything with a stunned expression of her own.

He suspected that the Slaughter Monarch was responsible for this incident and might still be somewhere inside the city. However, a certain black-haired young man also crossed his mind.

Although he had seen Nova in another district, his suspicions about his identity had not completely disappeared.

Soon, the Imperial Guards located the broadcasting crystal hidden inside the temple and successfully stopped the transmission.

However, Caelan’s words continued to echo through the square as the crowd discussed his announcement.

Many people agreed with their Emperor, but others felt that Alaric deserved to suffer until his power was completely exhausted and his soul could no longer endure the punishment.

And that was precisely what Nova had intended. Just as Caelan launched an attack against the formation, its surface finally began to crack under his overwhelming power.

However, before his attack could reach Alaric, the severely injured High Priest suddenly disappeared from his position.

Everyone was stunned. Where had he gone?

Then, a voice rang throughout the square, one that Caelan and many others immediately recognized.

"Don’t worry, Human Emperor. I’ll take care of killing this pig after he suffers a little longer. And I’ll deal with everyone who was involved in his crimes as well."

Caelan’s expression stiffened as he looked toward the source of the voice, but the person he suspected hadn’t spoken at all.

Nova, who was standing among the crowd, felt Caelan’s gaze fall upon him and smiled inwardly.

{Hehehe... He really seems confused and furious.} Liya chuckled at the amused expression on Nova’s face.

Nova, however, said nothing. He simply watched Caelan while thinking to himself. This is only the beginning. Your turn will come soon enough.

The crowd was equally confused, but they recognized the voice from the earlier broadcast. It was undoubtedly the Slaughter Monarch.

Everyone turned toward Caelan, wondering how the Human Emperor would respond after someone had taken the criminal away right in front of him.

For a brief moment, Caelan remained silent. He had been publicly embarrassed, and the frustration burning inside him was difficult to suppress.

Nevertheless, he soon forced a smile onto his face.

"My people, it seems our friend, the Slaughter Monarch, has decided to take care of this criminal himself."

Caelan had little choice but to accept the situation publicly. He couldn’t very well announce that the Slaughter Monarch had taken his target away in front of so many people, especially when he had just promised everyone that the matter would be handled.

"With that, this matter is concluded. You may all return to your activities. And don’t worry. Although I am grateful to the Slaughter Monarch for exposing Alaric’s crimes, we still don’t know his true intentions."

"He may simply be using this incident as part of a much larger plan. However, I can assure you that he is not inside the city. As long as I am here, he won’t be able to harm any of you."

Having said those words, the Human Emperor disappeared from the square, while the Imperial Guards began dispersing the crowd.

Many people agreed with Caelan’s words, understanding that the Slaughter Monarch was still a mysterious existence whose true intentions remained unknown. No one knew what he was planning, and that uncertainty continued to fuel their fear of him.

They were also relieved to hear that he wasn’t inside the city. According to the Human Emperor, if the Slaughter Monarch had truly been present, he would have shown himself rather than merely allowing his voice to be heard.

However, not everyone shared the same opinion. Many people supported the Slaughter Monarch, believing him to be a righteous figure despite his race.

**

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