It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"Marennia, come to the hall. The king has something to arrange."

The remote communication from the other end of the screen left such a statement. The party who received the notification immediately nodded.

"Yeah, coming right away."

She stood up and walked out the door to her room. Walking through the wide corridors within the palace, the rain seemed to dim the light slightly, but it didn't affect the pristine whiteness of the interior. Even though the city was engulfed in flames of war, its strength and prosperity remained undiminished.

Soon, she arrived at a vast courtyard. A solemn, yet majestic, expanse unfolded before her. Everything within the hall was visible at a glance. A breath of grandeur washed over her, accompanied by the luxurious platinum interior and the expansive view. Carved railings and stonework, a brilliant light like the sun at its zenith, enveloped everything in a blaze of brilliance.

The rising steps draw the eye ever higher. Just like this city, which exploits human lives, turning them into mindless tools, the piles of luxury serve only to highlight the next step. Everything is merely a stepping stone to the ultimate height.

On either side of the room stood two rows of guards. On the stairs, there was one person, and only one person, kneeling on one knee.

The figure appeared incredibly strong, like armor carved from diamond, blending the sharpness and menace of a blade with a calm heaviness. Though she bowed low, embodying humility and reverence, there was no trace of weakness in her.

A handsome face, long flowing hair. Just like her icy face, the moderate amount of armor enveloped her body, as if to say, "This level of armament is sufficient."

Compared to the resemblance between Aranija and Marenia, one can sense a strength that comes from within her, just like Bai Lin when she is serious, with an aura that cannot be concealed even by her beauty.

How steady. Marennia couldn't help but think so.

Marennia walked to the other side of the man who had his eyes slightly closed, lowered his head, and knelt on one knee.

"I am here, King. What do you want?"

She was clearly addressing someone higher up. The person who had been standing there since early morning slowly turned around, revealing the face of the city's highest point.

"Thank you for your hard work, my two daughters. It is reassuring to have you by my side at a time like this."

A deep voice emanated from that majestic figure. Hearing this, Marennia felt as if she were being glared at by a lion. Even if it was just a casual gesture, the undeniable awe-inspiring power of the king's presence filled the palace, causing her to tremble.

Chapter 1002 You Lu

The man, draped in a heavy suit of armor, exuded an undeniable air of authority from his sharp features. His snow-white slicked-back hair lifted his slightly weathered features, seemingly radiating a certain spirit. It matched the large white cape he wore, and a graceful mustache adorned his lips. This gave his already stoic features a more robust, even benevolent air.

Golden eyes shone like the sun. But on his side, they seemed a bit warmer. Their color, closer to orange-gold, wasn't as clear as Bai Lin's, but it also revealed a bit more of an aura of authority.

He touched his beard, slowly sat down on his throne, and put on a smiling face. The one kneeling on the opposite side of Marennia replied at the same time as Marennia.

"This is what we should do, King."

The man called the King seemed very satisfied with this answer. He pressed the handle and spoke slowly,

"I've called you here for no particular reason. The dark knights, led by the poet, have already stormed the city. Are you aware of this?"

"Already know."

Marennia replied, secretly sulking inwardly. With such a big fuss, who wouldn't know about it? Is this just a show of force?

However, as his daughter, she knew best. Her hypocritical father, the King, was just putting on a show every day. That was why she and her eldest sister called him King, not Father. He had no feelings for family, instead relishing the status that came with his position. He only addressed her and the others as "daughters" when he felt the need.

As the third half-sister, Alaniya has such a twisted personality because of her father.

This seemingly approachable yet utterly majestic man was the most disgusting degenerate, turning every living being in this kingdom into a tool for production, wreaking havoc on the entire continent, resorting to intimidation, oppression, and every other despicable means, yet brazenly proclaiming himself king of the continent. Marennia understood this all too well.

However, she didn't care about that. As long as she could perform every day, her life would be stable. Marennia would never object to such a good thing.

There's no other way. Born in a place like this, I'm already very conscientious by not stabbing this guy in the back and declaring myself king.

The king, Nilu, seemed oblivious to Marennia's accusations. He brushed his beard again, then leaned forward and said,

"I never thought the Astrologer would use such crazy means to attack us. I should have anticipated this day long before I received the message that she had declared war on us."

"You mean, when that city was destroyed?"

Marennia asked tentatively. And Nilu nodded in agreement.

"Ah, that's why she deliberately showed up as an astrologer. She wanted to pressure us, to keep us from guessing her intentions, and thus put us in a dilemma about whether to change our plans."

"However, we have received unobservable assistance beyond her predictions. This alone is enough to lead to her failure."

As Ni Lu was talking, he started to laugh and looked very happy. Then he put his hands on his legs and sat up.

"A fortuneteller who can predict the future ultimately has limitations. Even though she's acting so arrogantly right now, as a living being on this land, she has her limits, limits she absolutely cannot surpass. As long as we activate that, she won't be able to surpass us."

Marennia knew exactly what that was. It was the long-cherished wish of their perfect selves, the fruit of their research since ancient times. That was the birth of an "ultimate life form." Once born, it would possess power surpassing that of any living creature on earth, rivaling that of a god.

And once that appears, it also means...

Marennia bowed her head and said in agreement,

"No matter how rash she is, it's only a temporary display of power. You want us to be more obedient, act according to the plan, and not confront the poet and his group head-on, right?"

"That's right. I really gave birth to a smart daughter."

Nilu laughed loudly, then he stood up and declared,

"You will leave the palace for now and prepare to fight the powerful person who will arrive later as planned. As for the palace, no matter what happens, you don't have to return on your own initiative. After all... when you are needed, you will arrive on your own."

The feeling of winning made the man look a little excited. After laughing a few times, he seemed to remember something and asked,

"By the way, Alaniya, how are things going now?"

"As you said, he is in solitary confinement, King."

Marennia replied promptly. Nilu nodded thoughtfully and replied,

"Oh, she's a bit of a disobedient creature. It's entirely possible that she'll go out and cause a scene. But... after all, she's my daughter, so I have to be gentle with her. I'll settle her down and make sure she doesn't cause any trouble. We'll make a decision after the incident."

"Yes."

This time, the person who took the order was the one next to Marennia.

"As expected of you, Hisenia. Your loyalty and execution always satisfy me."

"Okay, that's it, you guys, go ahead."

Just like that, Hisenia and Marenia stood up at the same time and walked out. As they walked side by side, Marenia sighed at her elder sister, saying how strict and iron-blooded she was. She had no idea how that old man had given birth to such a daughter.

-

In a dim cave, two people in tattered clothes were huddled around a campfire. One of them came closer from the light at the cave entrance, took out a kettle, and handed it to the other.

"Drink some water. I fetched it from the mountain spring outside. I made sure it's clean enough. Fighting erosion is indeed important, but if the body can't bear it first, the spirit will also be destroyed."

The person in the cave took the kettle. She couldn't help coughing a few times, looking very ill. However, in the shadows, apart from her white hair and a gentle smile, nothing could be seen. She drank the water and replied to this side,

"Thank you, sister. You always take care of me, even in this world..."

Chapter 1003 Maybe, This Is Love

"There's nothing to be thankful for. This is what I should have done."

The person outside the cave seemed uncommunicative, or perhaps unexpressive. She sat down beside her sister, leaning against the wall, and replied. Her expression showed a hint of fatigue, but as she sat down calmly, a warm feeling flowed from her eyes.

Perhaps it was because the bonfire was enough to warm two people.

After putting down the water source, the sister coughed twice. Then, she whispered softly and asked with a little hope,

"Any clues?"

The seemingly incoherent sentence made the other person understand exactly what she was asking. The latter shook his head.

"Nothing has been discovered yet. I don't have enough strength right now. I have to resist the erosion while also meeting my physiological needs according to biological principles. Everything must start from scratch."

"Where is the Pantheon you mentioned earlier?"

As this question was asked, the man outside the cave laughed miserably and shrugged his shoulders.

"Given the current conditions, I have no say there. Besides, they don't seem to be willing to help you. Don't overthink it, just get some rest."

When she mentioned the outsider, the cold and majestic aura that should have existed in that person unconsciously emanated from her. This also allowed us to fully glimpse her face. She was none other than Bai Lin's former and beloved disciple—Xiao Nuo. Or rather, the Dusk God.

Xiao Nuo took a breath and closed her eyes. She snuggled up to her sister, as if ready for a short rest. And her sister seemed to have a different expression than before. After hearing what the other person said for a while, she became more depressed. After a long time, she sighed.

"Then it seems that there is no other way..."

Xiao Nuo fell silent at these unexpected words. Indeed, given the current situation, she couldn't lie to her sister, even if it was just to comfort her. She was also a smart person, and if she didn't want to be deceived, then no matter what she said, it would be useless.

"Sister, you are the most outstanding among us. Originally, according to our clan's tradition, you should have executed me with your own hands, thereby gaining complete power and continuing to rule the world."

"Yet you, despite all odds, have achieved feats that previous generations have failed to achieve. You have established your position with such a gesture. You are truly remarkable. There were those who sought to break this rule before, but they all perished. Since the birth of our race, you are the first to succeed."

"It can be said that, apart from my love for you, I have always admired you very much."

As she spoke, her sister coughed violently again. Xiao Nuo reached out her hands and placed them under the other person's hands covered with cloth. She opened her eyes and looked at the other person and said,

"I love you, too, sister. That's selfless. If it weren't for the care you've shown me in the past, and if it weren't for the chance encounters that led to our paths crossing, I wouldn't be doing this. You deserve it."

The elder sister's face was full of smiles for this younger sister who only showed her gentle side.

"Yes, those were indeed our happiest days. Ever since you took over the world, you've smiled less and less... I can't remember the last time I saw you truly smile. It's such a pity, because you look so beautiful when you smile."

"The last time was when I found you in this world, sister."

"Really? Then maybe my eyes couldn't see clearly at that time. I actually missed such a scene."

The elder sister laughed, but was interrupted by a cough. Several balls of dirty blood, which seemed to contain wriggling solids, sprayed on the ground in front of her. Seeing this, Xiao Nuo quickly stood up and supported the other person with a serious expression. The elder sister put a hand on the other person's shoulder and said soothingly,

"I'm fine, please sit down first."

Her sister's words were filled with an undeniable sense of authority. After all, she was the ruler of the previous world, and even in her twilight years, her authority was unquestionable. Seeing her seriousness, Xiao Nuo sat down obediently.

"You've always carried... so much. Even as powerful as you are, you don't have the heart to remain the same person you were when we first met. Fresh, human, and lovable."

"As a commander, I can't do that."

"I'm very clear. I didn't say you did anything wrong. On the contrary, you did very well. Even after you took over, when we could only spend a short time together very occasionally, I felt very satisfied. At the same time, I also tasted an unusual amount of pain."

"That is, seeing you sinking into this responsibility, I feel pain for you."

Seeing the other party say this, Xiao Nuo shook his head.

"Don't say that. Every time I see you, I feel at ease, which is greater than the satisfaction I get from any achievement. You don't have to feel anything about it. This is something I was born with, and I should bear it."

"But I can't help it. I can't help but think about you. Maybe this is love... Even though I've added burdens to you, I hope you can feel more relaxed."

My sister continued to smile, moving her limbs which seemed to have become somewhat limp.

"If I still have the strength, I can still help you-"

"Please don't say anymore. Just like when we first met, your existence is the greatest help to me. Even now, when this world abandons us and constantly erodes our will, having you here can make my will last longer."

Xiao Nuo looked at her seriously and spoke these words. Love itself is a powerful spiritual pillar. The love between sisters is thicker than blood, which makes her willing to continue and give her everything for it...

"Pfft, how cunning! Even our mutual love is stronger than mine? You're clearly already a formidable being in every way."

The elder sister laughed, her laughter like a silver bell, like a gentle breeze, but as her laughter grew louder, it became tinged with bitterness. She finally made up her mind and stretched out her hand, which was no longer in shape, and her hand that was still intact, and placed it on Xiao Nuo's cheek.

She caressed Xiao Nuo's cheek with a little force. The warm touch, carrying the smell of ruin and blood, did not disgust Xiao Nuo. Instead, she was more obsessed with the bloodstains on her face.

Chapter 1004 The Weight of a Long-cherished Wish

Xiao Nuo's breathing quickened slightly. It seemed she was overly exhausted these past few days, her mind disturbed to some extent. She didn't even speak to stop him. When she came to her senses and tried to get him to stop and rest, his expression was already filled with a poignant beauty, blooming like a flower.

A red rose-like smile hung on the corner of her mouth, but it seemed to be lit, with a madness in the midst of desolation. She said to Xiao Nuo,

"I've reached my limit... sister. Do what you haven't done yet. Let's become one."

In such a sound, Xiao Nuo, who had become somewhat clear-headed, naturally reacted immediately. She pressed down the man's hands, grabbed his shoulders, and asked,

"What did you say?"

"If you say that I've survived until now because I met you and left you with beautiful memories, and that's what I deserve... then I think I'm satisfied up to this point."

The elder sister spoke, her tone was filled with memories of the past. However, her eyes were forever reflected by Xiao Nuo's face. She said solemnly,

"Kill me, sister. Use your hands to complete your mission..."

"No, that won't do! We still have a way. This world is big, there will always be a chance to start over—"

Xiao Nuo certainly couldn't accept this idea, but her sister actually leaned forward naturally. Their foreheads touched tightly together. A warm expression flowed out of her sister's mouth.

"Even if you say so, I've already reached my limit. I have a premonition that in two days—perhaps today, or even the next second—my symptoms will completely worsen. By then, nothing will be salvaged, and I will no longer be myself. If I continue to burden you like this, we will both die together in the end... It would be better to complete your godhood, so that you can have a better chance of continuing our long-cherished wish."

"I want you to survive, too, sister. I don't want to be a burden to you. Go ahead."

The warm and familiar breath suppressed all of Xiao Nuo's extra thoughts. She was struggling, but she knew it best. If this continued, both of them would surely die. At this moment, facing her sister's most affectionate confession, she could no longer piece together a complete, resisting sentence. She trembled and closed her eyes.

"I can't, without you..."

This was the most powerful rebuttal she could say now. She could no longer hold on to her former righteousness and could not reject her sister from a rational perspective. She could only express her true feelings. And her sister showed the most beautiful smile.

"I will not disappear. This is the ritual that unites us. It is a sacrifice passed down from generation to generation by rulers, allowing all to be inherited by you. From now on, we will never be separated again..."

"I don't want this!"

Crystal tears slid down Xiao Nuo's cheeks, and her sister freed one hand and gently stroked her head. She did not argue any more, but slowly said,