Chapter 156 The Emergence of Black Dragon

In the Cabrul Wildlands, the landscape was suffused with ochre soil and scattered stones. Abandoned farmlands and pastures stretched out, while crows occasionally circled overhead, calling out with their haunting cries.

In this wasteland, powerful creatures roamed: Level 10 Alabaster Tuskers, Mighty Savannah Bulls, and Baldcrest Ravagers. Each one, a serious threat.

For most players, a Level 10 monster zone was a death trap. But in the crumbling shell of one ranch, a team of twenty was busy farming Alabaster Tuskers.

"We're almost done here. Shadowling, pull another group," ordered a young guy, his handsome face framed by shiny golden armor. He held a magnificent greatsword like it was no big deal.

"On it, boss," replied Shadowling, a Level 9 Assassin, with a respectful nod. He vanished into the shadows, off to gather more prey for his leader.

Any regular player would be blown away by this scene.

A Level 9 Assassin, decked out in rare Dark Iron Equipment, was a big deal in Divine Realms: Legends. Normally, someone like that would be a top dog in any major guild. But here he was, playing the role of a scout, not with a hint of resentment, but with total loyalty.

"Isabella." The young man in golden armor saw an incoming message. Surprise flickered across his face before he answered softly, "Isabella, long time no see. How are you? I still don't get why you stick with the Devouring Serpents. Come join me in The Stygian Alliance."

"Ethan Potter, as I've already mentioned, I will not join The Stygian Alliance. I intend to carve out my own path. I came to you today hoping for some assistance," Isabella stated coolly.

A smile spread across Ethan's face, "Anything, Isabella. Just say the word." This was the first time she had ever asked him for anything. He wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

"It's nothing major. You mentioned something about a situation you wanted me to avoid. I looked into it. It's a minor dispute, nothing more. Kai Blackthorn is a friend, so I'm asking you to let it go, for my sake," Isabella said.

"Kai Blackthorn?" Ethan's brow furrowed. He hadn't seen that coming.

"Yes, Kai Blackthorn. What's it gonna be?" Isabella pressed.

"Of course, Isabella, anything for you. Consider it done. I'll let the others know right away," Ethan assured her, his tone light and agreeable.

The call ended.

"Isabella, why so worried about this Kai Blackthorn? You've never been this interested in anyone else before. Have you taken a liking to the boy?" Scarlet teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Isabella rolled her eyes, "You're reading too much into it." A small smile touched her lips, "Besides, who gave you the alchemy formula that helped you become a mid-level apprentice and let you swim in silver every day?"

"Alright, alright, he's earned a favor or two," Scarlet admitted, her teasing tone replaced by grudging acceptance.

"It's more than that. He helped us clear the Infernal-level Shadowmoon Graveyard. That alone boosted my standing in the Devouring Serpents. Several guild elders switched sides because of it, saved me a lot of trouble. I haven't even properly thanked him yet. This is the least I can do," Isabella explained. "If The Stygian Alliance kept targeting him, I would've had to take... other measures. But since Ethan agreed, it shouldn't be a problem."

Meanwhile, the moment the call ended, Ethan's friendly facade shattered. Rage bubbled beneath the surface, his face twisted in fury.

He couldn't wrap his head around the connection between Kai Blackthorn and Isabella. What had this Kai done to earn such unwavering support? Ethan had showered her with attention and affection, yet she remained indifferent. Now, over some trivial matter involving a nobody, she contacts him, concern in her every word.

The level of concern she showed for this Kai sparked a burning jealousy within him.

He was powerful, wealthy, and undeniably attractive. He was a hundred times the man this Kai could ever hope to be. Yet, Isabella was fixated on him. Something didn't add up.

Then it hit him. He knew Isabella's routines, her life outside of Divine Realms: Legends. There was no way someone like Kai could have crossed paths with her in the real world. The only explanation was that something significant had happened in the game to earn her favor. And if they kept interacting in Divine Realms: Legends, who knew what might develop between them?

The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

A chilling resolve hardened his gaze. He wasn't going to let years of pursuit amount to nothing. "This Kai Blackthorn has to go."

He wouldn't tolerate any further interaction between them. Kai had to be removed, permanently. As long as he was out of the picture, there would be no chance of them growing closer.

"Mr. Potter, your orders?" Sutharos asked, his tone respectful.

"I want a wedge driven between Kai Blackthorn and Isabella. Turn them against each other. Then, make him disappear. Permanently. And do it in a way that doesn't point back to The Stygian Alliance. Got it?" Ethan's voice was cold and sharp as a razor.

"Understood. Consider it done. However, for optimal efficiency, some additional support would be appreciated," Sutharos replied, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Fine. A squad of Guardians of the Abyss will be at your disposal. Make sure this is done cleanly," Ethan declared.

The mention of the Guardians of the Abyss, The Stygian Alliance's elite force, startled even Sutharos. What had this Kai done to warrant the deployment of such a valuable asset, and a whole squad no less?

"Rest assured, Mr. Potter. It will be as if he never existed," Sutharos promised, his tone laced with chilling confidence.

Meanwhile, in the serene beauty of the Stellar Glade of Astral Veins, the Abyssal Blade in Kai's hand erupted in a maelstrom of black flames. The flames engulfed the Adamantite greatsword and ten Silver Dawnrift swords, their intense heat melting the metal like it was wax.

The Black Flame burned far hotter than the Frost Azure Flame. In the blink of an eye, even the formidable Adamantite greatsword was reduced to molten slag, its essence greedily devoured by the Abyssal Blade.

As the last bits of the weapons were consumed, the Abyssal Blade pulsed with power, the Black Flame intensifying until it took on a life of its own. It writhed and twisted, morphing into a colossal Black Dragon, its form easily dwarfing a mountain, its scales harder than any steel. The dragon roared, a sound that tore through the very fabric of the glade, scattering the clouds above and momentarily stunning even the mighty Goldenfin Wyrm.

"A Demonic Weapon!" Faust, who had been hovering nearby, exclaimed, his usual composure shattered by shock. "To not only control such a weapon at your age but to have it manifest in its entirety… How is this possible?"
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