A day after Nova and the others entered seclusion, a significant event occurred that sent shockwaves throughout the entire Western Continent.
Giant, translucent screens appeared above all the major cities, displaying a recording for everyone to witness. The image featured Aelina, seated on her throne with her legs crossed and her characteristic neutral smile gracing her face.
Due to the massive disturbance, people couldn't help stopping what they were doing to look up at the screen.
"What's that?"
"Isn't that the Sect Master of the Battle Maiden Sect?"
"O-Oh god! I-Is this going to be another torture video?!"
There were mixed reactions among the public. Some were scared, some were confused, and others were indifferent. However, almost everyone felt at least somewhat curious as to why such a strong and influential figure had appeared before them.
"Greetings, fellow residents of the Western Continent." Aelina said, "My name, as you may already know, is Aelina, and I serve as the Sect Master of the Battle Maiden Sect. I am here to address a significant concern that has likely weighed heavily on many of your minds recently: our war with the Crimson Slayer Sect." Aelina paused for a few seconds, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.
"First and foremost, I want to make it clear that we at the Battle Maiden Sect never desired this war. Even after they repeatedly invaded my Sect, I merely requested compensation since the damages were not substantial. However, when they brought an army to my doorstep, that was the last straw."
As Aelina continued, her tone became more resolute. "We have now found ourselves embroiled in a conflict that we did not seek but one we cannot avoid. Our aim is not to destroy, but to protect the values we hold dear and to ensure the safety of our Sect and its members."
The onlookers exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding. Some whispered among themselves, while others simply listened attentively.
"In light of this situation," Aelina went on, "I call upon the citizens of the Western Continent to stand united, not just for the sake of the Battle Maiden Sect, but for the well-being of our entire region. We must not allow the Crimson Slayer Sect to dictate the future of our world through their aggressive and immoral actions."
A murmur rippled through the crowds as people processed Aelina's words. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked more skeptical, clearly not sold on the idea of supporting the Battle Maiden Sect.
Aelina's eyes seemed to pierce through the screens as if speaking directly to each individual. "I understand that many of you may be hesitant, fearing the consequences of taking sides in this conflict. However, I'm not asking you to take sides, nor am I asking you to join us in this war. All I want to do is share with you the horrid deeds of the Crimson Slayer Sect and prove to the world that my Sect stands taller than ever and won't be destroyed by such vermin!"
The recording transitioned from Aelina to a new scene, where someone held the Recording Crystal high in the sky, focusing on what appeared to be a city below. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that this was not an ordinary city—it was one of the Crimson Slayer Sect's branches!
As the camera zoomed in further, the Recording Crystal revealed shocking footage of human cattle farms where disciples indulged their depraved desires for both sex and blood. Men, women, and children alike were subjected to unspeakable cruelty; no one was spared from their torment.
However, that wasn't the end. The screen transitioned to another scene where Crimson Slayer Sect disciples pillaged villages, capturing all of its inhabitants and turning them into mindless drones.
More and more horrific scenes continued to appear after that, showcasing many of the terrible deeds the Crimson Slayer Sect has committed.
The gruesome images displayed on the screens left the onlookers horrified and outraged. Gasps and cries of disbelief echoed through the crowds as people struggled to comprehend the extent of the Crimson Slayer Sect's atrocities.
"Why would they do such terrible things?!"
"How could they treat people like this? It's inhumane!"
"They must be stopped, no matter what!"
"I knew those from the Unorthodox Faction were nasty, but I didn't expect it to be this bad!
As the tension mounted among the citizens, Aelina's voice returned, calm yet resolute.
"I show you these images, not so you join my cause in this war, but to merely make you aware of the happenings on the continent. When you think about doing business with someone from the Crimson Slayer Sect, recall these recordings and ask yourself if you really want to form a connection with such a group."
Her words did little to quell the discomfort in their hearts, and Aelina's eyes seemed to understand that.
What other reason, besides a call to war, would Aelina have to show all these things? Many of the people who lived on this continent were dozens, if not hundreds, of years old. They've seen their fair share of horrors. How could they be fooled by something so simple?
"For those of you who may doubt this as mere propaganda to rally the public, I present to you a clip of my disciples triumphing over an army from the Crimson Slayer Sect. If this doesn't show you that my Sect is not seeking your help, and this is not a call to arms, then I don't know what will."
Soon, a recording of Mira, Nova, and the other girls' battle against the Crimson Slayer Sect appeared.
As the citizens watched, the fierce battle unfolded before their eyes. Mira, Nova, Seraphina, Everly, and Rayna fought fearlessly against the seemingly insurmountable force of the Crimson Slayer Sect, their unwavering conviction and unity evident throughout the conflict.
The women moved as a seamless unit, supporting one another and striking their foes with an incredible display of power and precision. Their adversaries quickly crumbled under their might, the once-formidable Crimson Slayer Sect army reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.
Together, the six women formed an unstoppable force, leaving a grisly trail of destruction in their wake. As the battle concluded and they stood amidst the carnage, a fierce and bloodthirsty aura radiated from each of them, resonating through the recording and chilling the viewers to their core.
As soon as the clip ended, Aelina reappeared on screen, seated on her throne. She paused for a moment, letting the impact of what they had just witnessed sink in before she eventually opened her mouth.
"As I mentioned earlier, this is not a call to arms. We, the Battle Maiden Sect, do not need your assistance! We don't fear the Crimson Slayer Sect or anyone else, for that matter! I've created this message not to force you to choose sides but to deliver a clear message. This is a warning to the world: You don't need to stand with us, but should you stand against us, those women in the video, alongside many more like them, will be your opponents! Should you find yourself on the other end of our blades, the only other option for you is extinction!"
As Aelina finished her speech, the recording ended, and the translucent screens vanished, leaving a stunned audience in their wake.
The world seemed to hold its breath for a moment as everyone processed what they had just witnessed. The leader of one of the most powerful forces on the continent had essentially told the world, "You don't need to stand with me, but you'd better not stand against me."
People weren't sure how to interpret her words. Of course, they wouldn't seek out Unorthodox Faction members to ask, but what about those who had dealings with them in the past? What if they didn't actively attack Crimson Slayer Sect disciples? Would they be defying Aelina's warning then, or was that acceptable?
While some were lost in confusion, the more experienced and astute individuals grasped her intentions.
'This message isn't aimed solely at us but also at those considering joining the Crimson Slayer Sect in the war. She's essentially warning them that their only fate will be total annihilation if they choose to participate.'
'With this single move, she not only tarnished the Unorthodox Faction's reputation but also bolstered her own, intimidating any undecided or opportunistic parties. What a formidable woman.'
They shuddered at Aelina's boldness, decisiveness, and ruthlessness, now better understanding how the Battle Maiden Sect had remained strong for so many years.
It went without saying that those who understood her intentions wouldn't dare contemplate joining the Crimson Slayer Sect, fearing the extermination of their entire bloodline.
Even members of the Unorthodox Faction were having second thoughts, particularly after witnessing six girls decimate an entire army.
Back in her throne room, Aelina sat with a faint smile.
'What will your next move be, Cyrus? Regardless, I look forward to watching you squirm like the pitiful worm you are.'
