"If their foundation is truly as Fiona described..."

One of the councilors slowly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Then forming an alliance with them is not just about revenge, but also about paving a path for our family to ascend to a higher level."

"An empire with Divine Empire potential is an unstoppable force. The ancient and decaying Dawonru may not survive a collision with them."

"Agreed."

"Support."

The councilors expressed their agreement one after another, seeing a broader vision that extended far beyond the immediate hatred and sacrifices.

Tredy also slowly nodded.

"The ancient prophecy spoke of the immortal phoenix leading a new era from the ashes. Perhaps this is the opportunity."

"The Noble Council of the Clouds agrees to this alliance."

The decision was made!

After the councilors left one by one, the Scarlet Witch stepped out from the shadows.

Her voice carried a unique, magnetic quality.

"My little immortal bird, from your description, that young emperor... his ambition is certainly not limited to resisting Dawonru."

"It is a desire to devour the stars and reshape the order, a conquering ambition. This storm of war may have been ignited by his hand, and he seems eager to temper his empire's sword in it."

The gleam in Fiona's eyes became even more radiant.

"Mentor, mediocre rulers defend their territories, but great emperors... they create eras!"

"The Noble Council of the Clouds has been silent for too long. We need to follow a path that can tear apart the old sky with lightning."

Tredy looked at her, seeing that familiar yet more intense light in her eyes.

It was the pursuit of power and glory, a trait deeply embedded in the bloodline of the Noble Council of the Clouds.

He smiled knowingly and turned his gaze toward Joshua.

Joshua smiled and slowly nodded.

...

At the Silver Demon Palace.

After reviewing the battle reports, Gustav made his final decision.

"The Four-Winged Demon Legion, along with the Dawnlight Holy Knight Order, will be sent to the front lines. If war is to be waged, then there will be no holding back."

Gustav turned his gaze to Hankley, his voice cold.

"The empire's hidden forces will also be involved in this war. No matter how many strong people Crossbridge Empire can send, I want this threat completely eradicated as quickly as possible."

"At any cost."

"Even if it means exposing the empire's final hidden forces!"

"Understood, my Sovereign."

Hankley bowed deeply.

"The remaining matters will be fully under your command."

"Dismissed."

Hankley maintained his bow as he slowly exited the grand palace.

Moments later, a young man dressed in golden robes entered the palace.

His demeanor was regal, and his every movement radiated the aura of a future ruler.

He bowed to the emperor.

"Father, have you truly decided to use the full strength of the empire to crush that lower realm empire?"

Gustav slowly stood up, hands behind his back, and walked toward the terrace outside the hall.

The young man followed closely behind.

Looking out over the sprawling territory and capital of the Dawonru Empire, Gustav spoke in a deep voice.

"Others see only the military strength of Crossbridge Empire, but they overlook a far more deadly fact—this lower realm empire has already coalesced into a true imperial power, and even nurtured the potential of a Divine Empire!"

"Do you understand what this means?"

The young man fell into deep thought before his expression suddenly became serious.

"Father, do you mean… all of this might have been part of Aurek's plan from the very beginning?"

"He's been leading the war step by step. Is he using the conflict between the empire and external forces to quietly extend his reach into the Abyss Demon Realm, in order to fulfill his ambition of ascending to a Divine Empire?"

Gustav glanced at his son, a look of approval briefly crossing his eyes.

His years of meticulous teaching had not been in vain.

To see through this, the young man was already far beyond many mediocre people.

Gustav let out a cold chuckle.

"If we don't crush him completely and extinguish all hope, one day he will climb to the throne over the bodies of countless others, and we, too, may be among them."

The young man's gaze turned icy.

"This Aurek... he's terrifying!"

"Clearly, his ambition is obvious, yet he disguises himself as the victim of invasion, drawing the flames of war into this realm. I wonder how many people are still in the dark."

At that moment, he fully understood.

For such a throne-seeking ambition, it must be eradicated thoroughly, not simply repelled or punished.

"Father! Please allow me to go to the front lines."

The young man once again bowed and made his request.

He was the designated heir of the Dawonru Empire.

After absorbing the immortal phoenix bloodline from Fiona's mother and receiving the infusion of the empire's core power, he had successfully reached True God rank four.

The strength increase from the immortal phoenix bloodline was over tenfold, and he was confident in personally witnessing this empire's future grave threat.

Gustav did not oppose.

Due to the Noble Council of the Clouds, the empire had always avoided allowing the young man to publicly appear.

But this matter could no longer be hidden forever.

Now that war had begun, everyone's attention was focused on the conflict, making it the perfect time for him to reveal himself and shift public attention away from past matters.

...

After Hankley left the Demon Palace, he immediately began the total military mobilization.

Millions of legions were mobilized, causing a tremor throughout the entire Dawonru Empire and disturbing the fragile balance of the Abyss Demon Realm.

A sense of oppression filled every corner.

...

In the Demonwing Empire.

Dorrak delivered Lucio's conditions to the Demonwing Empire's court.

After weighing the realistic benefits, the Demonwing Empire agreed to engage in containment.

They sent an envoy to meet with Lucio.

Lucio agreed to many of the harsh conditions proposed by the Demonwing Empire.

The reason was simple—he had lied about everything he had previously told the Demonwing Empire!

The goal of the Crossbridge Empire was not merely defense, but to gather all its strength to first destroy Dawonru, then Demonfeather, using the power and territory of these two empires to complete its ultimate leap toward becoming a Divine Empire.

The so-called passive defense, hatred of war, and disinterest in the demon realm...

These were just diplomatic lies meant to lull the enemy.

...

At the Sapphire Dominion border, in the garrison fortress.

The Elemental Assassins continued to send reports on Dawonru Empire's large-scale troop movements.

Philip's expression grew serious.

"The Dawonru Empire's pace is quickening."

"At this rate, they'll be able to assemble their entire army within two months. This reckless mobilization means they've sensed danger and are preparing for a full strike."

"The empire must now enter a state of total war."

Suggwoth spoke in a low voice.

"Report this immediately to His Majesty."

"Also, mobilize the forces stationed in the Godfall Gorge. If we're going to war, we'll hold nothing back."

Harry, Tina, and the others nodded firmly.

"We can inform the Noble Council of the Clouds to prepare."

"As for whether the Demonwing Empire will truly commit to full-scale containment, we must prepare for the worst."

Lucio added.

Earlier, he had exaggerated the number of God General legions in the empire to intimidate others.

Unexpectedly, his boast had become a reality!

Thinking about it now, he regretted not inflating the numbers even more...

Regardless, the millions of God General troops were now a reality, greatly compensating for the empire's disadvantage in terms of top-tier power.

With the secret dispatch of a God King from the empire and three God Kings from the Noble Council of the Clouds, they now had sufficient high-level strength to contend.

The only unpredictable variable was the presence of Sage King-level powers!

Once the war reached its peak, the Dawonru Empire would no longer hide such strategic deterrent forces behind the scenes.

Suggwoth quickly relayed the situation in the Demon Realm to the empire.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.