The forms of the Two Rebel Gods transformed into particles of light, dissolving both their physical and spiritual existence into these indistinct specks of light.
The specks of light flew behind Caen, being absorbed by one of the gems in Caen's sword.
"Did you send everyone away?" Caen asked one of the High Council Members.
"We did. But did we really have to send them away? Wouldn't it be better for us to leave and draw the enemies somewhere else instead?"
The High Council Members didn't understand the reason behind Caen's decision. Everything was ready. Everyone was ready and motivated for the War.
The Kids and the ordinary villagers were sent to the underground basement to hide, but at the last moment, Caen changed his mind.
Caen ordered everyone to escort the young gods and the Villagers to a distant location in the Southern World, as far away as could be.
They didn't understand why. If Caen was worried that the town was going to be attacked, that would've been solved if they had left and drawn out the enemies to them instead. Something didn't feel right. Unfortunately, they couldn't read Caen's mind.
"You don't have to understand. Just follow my orders," Caen replied, not showing much reaction.
Firmly clutching the handle of his freshly forged sword, he hoisted it high toward the sky, as if issuing a defiant decree to the heavens above.
All the gems attached to the Sword's hilt started shining brightly. It felt as though reality itself was being shattered, as a powerful beam of energy surged upwards from the Sword.
The terrifying energy first hit the barrier around the town. The barrier shattered, completely being destroyed. The barrier that had kept their aura hidden was gone, but the attack didn't stop there.
The beam of energy was still as fierce and dangerous. Space around it was completely broken apart, leaving moving but emptiness as the attack shot up.
****
High in the sky, Gabriel and Ezekiel were waiting for the cowardly gods to be discovered in their search.
Gabriel suddenly opened his eyes. A frown formed on his face as he sensed the death of two of the Rebel Gods! It happened at the same time, as if they didn't even have the time to resist.
To kill both of them at the same time, it could only be the work of gods.
"We found them!" Gabriel exclaimed, looking toward the Southern World!
He opened a spatial portal, appearing right above the Southern World.
Ezekiel also opened his eyes. He didn't travel through space. Instead, with a single space, he travele thousands of light years to appear next to Gabriel, above the Southern World.
Gabriel stepped out of the Spatial Portal, watching Ezekiel also appear next to him. But before even a second could pass, Gabriel sensed something.
This time, even Ezekiel frowned. He grabbed the collar of Gabriel, pulling him back at the last moment.
The Abyssal barrier that he had cast shattered by the beam of energy, which still hadn't weakened. The beam passed through the spot where Gabriel had been standing. If Ezekiel hadn't pulled him back, it was uncertain what would've happened.
The barrier around the Southern World was destroyed, freeing the Space from the restriction. The Gods could once again use teleportation, but it didn't appear like anyone wanted that.
As the barrier was broken, the darkness seemed to have disappeared. A clear sky was visible again.
Caen looked at the sky, his gaze on Gabriel in the outer space. At the same time, Gabriel also looked down, feeling the killing intent.
He was surprised by this sudden attack, the power behind which was strange yet familiar. The attack was strong as well. This single attack was capable of killing an Abyssal Dragon, without even needing a second strike.
The two enemies had come face to face.
****
[One day ago]
Aliac escorted Karyk to the depths of his Palace, bringing him to a place that no one other than Aliac had ever seen.
This was also the biggest secret of the Central World and the realm Aliac never left the Central World.
"This is...?" Karyk asked with a frown. Before him stood a peculiar portal, its appearance far from ordinary. Instead of the expected hues, it exuded a velvety blackness that seemed to radiate an eerie aura.
Usually, a Spatial Portal was made using the Element of Space. It wasn't too bright, but it wasn't dark either. But the Portal before him was pitch black, filled with a devilish energy.
Just the energy coming from the portal itself made Karyk feel disgusted. It was nothing like he ever saw before. It wasn't the aura of the abyss or anything close to what he knew.
"What is this place?" he asked Aliac. The only person who could answer him was the man next to him, who had lived in the Central World for thousands of years.
"Remember I asked you a question last night?" Aliac asked Karyk.
"You asked me many questions," Karyk replied. "But none of them can explain this."
"As I said, this can't be explained. It can only be shown. Come, let me show you the true nightmare..."
Aliac released a deep breath, mustering up the courage to take a step forward, gradually approaching the portal.
It was the first time Karyk had seen caution on Aliac's face. It was as if he was hesitant as well.
Aliac moved forward. Right before Karyk's eyes, he entered the eerie portal, disappeared from view. It was as if he was swallowed by the portal.
"Something that can't be told but only shown?" Karyk repeated, letting out a tired sigh. "Let's see this Nightmare of yours in that case."
He wasn't sure what this portal was. There was much uncertainty about it. He wasn't even sure if this was a trap or not, but deep within his heart, he wanted to see. Just what was this?
He also stepped forward, entering the pitch Black Portal.
