Chapter 264

Chapter 264: “The Emperor” VS “The Profligate”

“Deep Blue World!”

In a single moment, Bai Yan unleashed the mysterious power of Nightsaber.

The entire world seemed to freeze in place.

Even the mighty “Emperor” Kessel was caught in this stasis.

Bai Yan, also known as the Profligate, understood the gravity of the situation. He knew just how powerful the man standing before him truly was.

As one of the oldest Imperial Guards, Kessel was a legendary figure in the Otherworlds. Known as “The Emperor,” he was ranked among the top five in personal strength within the Imperial Guard.

Above him stood only three beings—those of the Apocalypse level.

In Noah’s world, where the Rainbows couldn’t directly intervene, the Apocalypse-level individuals were semi-divine entities with strength beyond comprehension. These twenty-odd individuals formed the true pinnacle of power.

“The Emperor” was only a shade below these titans, his strength undeniable.

But Bai Yan wasn’t convinced he was any weaker.

Preparation for Battle

Having gathered the collective strength of many Core Operators from Babel Tower, Bai Yan had ascended to the level of a “Crown.”

Combined with Babel Tower’s vast arsenal of tools, powers, and support methods, Bai Yan believed his strength far surpassed that of a typical Crown-level fighter.

Yet, a headache lingered in his mind.

Certain moves were too powerful to risk using. If he accidentally killed the Emperor, the consequences would be catastrophic.

A Conflict of Values

Bai Yan still held onto the contact details Kessel had given him long ago, a gesture of goodwill. The Emperor had once said, “If you’re ever in need, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Although Kessel couldn’t come to Tatsumi City when Bai Yan needed him, Bai Yan knew his intentions were genuine.

For Bai Yan, harming the innocent—especially those who sought to help him—was never an option.

“Distance of the Hearts”

Bai Yan gently placed a hand on the shoulder of the young boy dressed in white.

“Intelligence acquired!”

In that instant, Bai Yan sensed an overwhelming power—Distance of the Hearts.

One of the upper thirty-six forbidden spells in the seventy-two Noah worlds, Distance of the Hearts was the strongest spell in the school of soul magic.

It created an unbreakable barrier, isolating Kessel from the entire world.

Time resumed its flow.

Kessel’s Revelation

Kessel’s pupils shrank when he realized the power of Nightsaber.

Though similar to the power wielded by the Babel Tower’s “Nightsaber,” Kessel never expected it to match his own so perfectly.

Still, he remained confident.

“Even the power of the Outer Gods cannot change this outcome,” Kessel thought.

The Emperor’s Wrath

In the sky, a massive shadow loomed, its eyes glowing like twin stars.

The mighty voice of Kessel echoed:

“Silly person, repent, for I will crush your soul.”

The spell Imperial Decree swept over Bai Yan, its force targeting his very essence.

Bai Yan’s Counterattack

Bai Yan staggered, his health and mana depleting rapidly. Yet, in his hand was a peculiar bottle—”Blood Tea.”

With a few gulps, his health bar recovered, and energy surged back into his body.

Kessel frowned. The liquid seemed bizarre but effective.

Still, the Emperor remained undeterred.

A Clash of Ideals

Bai Yan steadied himself and addressed Kessel:

“I have no intention of harming you. I only seek answers. Why are you so restless and agitated?”

He continued calmly, “This

involves Ailsa, doesn’t it? You

know a secret that could save

countless lives. As an Imperial

Guard, isn’t it your duty to

protect the innocent?”

Kessel hesitated. His loyalty to

Ailsa weighed heavily on him.

Unleashing Scarlet Moon

Bai Yan switched to the power

of the Queen of the Scarlet

Moon.

Blood pumped faster through

his veins as an overwhelming

surge of energy filled his body.

With a thunderous punch, he

shattered Kessel’s “Heart’s

Shield,” sending the Emperor

flying.

A Temporary Truce

Despite his wounds, Kessel

regained his composure.

Recognizing Bai Yan’s strength,

he proposed a deal:

“I will help you rid the world of

these strange things, but you

must stop inquiring into Ailsa’s

origins.”

Bai Yan nodded, though his

sincerity was questionable.

Deep down, he suspected

Ailsa was the root of this

chaos.

The Growing Threat

In the Dawn District, a

horrifying mass of flesh—the

Double Payback—devoured

half the park.

Scarlet Moon stood before the

monstrosity, battered but

resolute. Beside her, Maryse

watched in fear and awe.

All their attacks had been

futile, reflected back with

double intensity.

Reinforcements Arrive

Bai Yan appeared,

accompanied by Kessel.

Maryse’s eyes lit up in

recognition, though confusion

clouded her face.

Why was Kessel, once an

enemy, now an ally?

She didn’t know—but for now,

she could only hope this

unlikely alliance would save

them