The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1953: Ouroboros Upgrade

The first place Cain headed to was a massive hall. As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze swept across rows upon rows of flawless stone tables, each etched with intricate engravings that pulsed faintly with ancient power.

Cain could not help but smile as recognition flashed in his eyes.

“Just as I saw in Amon’s memories… a hall full of formations.”

The Scarlet Kingdom was extremely well-versed in the art of war formations—proof enough lay in the Everlife Continent Formation, capable of weakening even a Peak Prima Deity. But the ones here… these belonged to a completely different league.

Thanks to the power of Ars Goetia, the Scarlet Kingdom could already grant elite Divine soldiers the strength to participate in high-tier battles through the Runic War Avatars. Yet what lay before him in this hall opened an entirely new field—one that could allow every single person to contribute in future wars, even normal warriors.

Of course, whenever Cain approached one of the stone tables, the familiar ancient voice would speak, giving a brief description of the formation before stating its price.

To his relief, formations themselves were not outrageously expensive—at least not for him. Cain was able to purchase four Archdeity-tier formations for the cost of a single thousand credits. Considering he still had ten thousand credits remaining from his reward at the last trial, the expense was easy to manage.

For others, like Amon and Bael, it would have been astronomical. Such formations, while immensely valuable, would not yield them any immediate personal gain in cultivation. For that reason, they would never have spent their limited wealth on them.

Once he finished his purchases, Cain wasted no time. He rose into the air and headed toward his next—and main—destination in the Second Ring.

A meaningful light crossed his eyes as he arrived before a colossal blacksmith forge. Like the rest of the Second Ring, it was built from bone, but this forge was different—it had been shaped into the form of a massive skull, complete with several hollow eye sockets and huge curling horns.

Even the equipment within was gargantuan, as if meant for the hands of giants from the First Era. But Cain paid no attention to such details. His focus was on a specific machine at the far end of the forge.

This was no ordinary workshop. All around him, strange forges and complex machinery still operated, powered by the runic formations woven into the very walls of the Second Ring. Cain stepped toward the control platform and sent a stream of his consciousness into it.

The voice echoed in his mind:

“Artifact Upgrading Motor. Please select the type of weapon, armor, or other divine construct you wish to improve.”

Cain drew a slow breath as he navigated the options, eventually selecting Humanoid War Puppet. Immediately, the display changed, and at the far end of the manufacturing chain, a platform began to glow.

“Deposit your Humanoid War Puppet.”

Of course, Cain had no such puppet—at least, not one worth refining here. His real reason for coming was something entirely different.

A sharp light gleamed in his eyes as he stepped forward and positioned himself directly on the glowing platform.

At once, a scanning force washed over him, sweeping from head to toe. It examined his flesh, muscles, bones, and even his internal organs. The process lasted only moments before the voice spoke again:

“Humanoid War Puppet of Archdeity Tier. Select the grade of upgrade.”

A complicated smile tugged at Cain’s lips. The fact that the scan had identified him as an Archdeity-tier Humanoid War Puppet confirmed something he already knew: despite still being a Prima Deity, every component of his body had evolved beyond that rank. It was an achievement to be proud of.

However, it also meant that the price for what came next would be extremely high.

Cain sighed softly, shaking his head as the upgrade options appeared in his mind.

“Normal Grade: 1,000 credits

Superior Grade: 2,000 credits

Supreme Grade: 4,000 credits

Ouroboros Grade: 10,000 credits”

Seeing the cost of the Ouroboros Grade made his heart clench. Choosing it would consume all of his remaining credits. But hesitation lasted less than a second. Determination flared in his eyes.

“Go big or go home.” Without further thought, Cain selected the Ouroboros Grade upgrade. He quickly browsed through the available enhancements, knowing he had to choose with extreme care.

Because he was not truly a war puppet, certain upgrades—especially those that interfered with his foundations or altered his Sacred Organs—would cripple his talent and potential if applied.

In the end, he settled on one of the most direct and universally beneficial improvements:

“Ouroboros Grade Physical and Energy Upgrade.”

As soon as he confirmed his choice, the machinery around him roared to life. The supply chains began to move, gears turning and forges burning brighter as runes flared across the forge’s structure.

It didn’t take long before the first stage began.

Two enormous containers opened beside him, releasing what appeared to be billions of microscopic white machines. Like a living tide, they surged toward him and poured into his body through every opening—mouth, nose, ears, and even pores.

The sensation was deeply unsettling, almost revolting. The machines swam through his bloodstream, infiltrating his muscles and bones.

Cain remained utterly still, playing the role of a true war puppet.

But he was not careless. His mind was sharp and alert, and the power of the [A.I. Chip Module] maintained constant surveillance over the process. If anything deviated from expected parameters, he was ready to neutralize the machines in an instant.

Even with his formidable mental fortitude, his body trembled involuntarily. Sweat beaded on his skin, red with the tint of blood.

And that was only part of it. Waves of energy constantly erupted from his body as the microscopic machines began their work, breaking down old structures and reforging them stronger than before. Every single blood vessel in his body and every single energy pathway was being upgraded.

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Chapter: 8/14 (+6 – Power Stone Bonus)

Current schedule: 14 chapters a week.

Bonus chapters:

Over 400 power stones: 3 extra chapters.

Over 600 power stones: 6 extra chapters.

Over 800 power stones: 9 extra chapters.