The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 348 Arcane Route (II)

”Who among you is willing to stake their name and reputation in support of Colonel Laurifer?”

There were solemn expressions on peopleʼs faces as they heard the Grand Scholar utter those words. While the support of people should not change Cainʼs grading, it would tell the world that there were influential figures in Eden who recognized his potential and character.

As expected, Klaus immediately stepped forward upon hearing the question of the Grand Scholar. A smile adorned his face, but there was an unsettling undertone behind it. However, he managed to hide his true feelings very well, and the only ones who noticed it were the Second Princess and Crown Prince.

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”I, Klaus Goldsoul, pledge my name and honor in support of Colonel Laurifer.”

Dominguez nodded and jotted something on the scroll. As he prepared to signal Cain, the Second Princess stepped forward.

”I, Emerald Goldsoul, pledge my name and honor in support of Colonel Laurifer.”

An eerie silence pervaded the surroundings as the Second Princess voiced her commitment.

Cain was part of Klausʼ escorts during the Imperial Feast, so Klausʼ endorsement was expected. But the Second Princessʼs unexpected declaration shifted dynamics.

Pledging your name in support of someone in the Arcane Route was not a small thing, and there was no reason for the Second Princess to do it unless she expected to form a relationship with Cain in the future.

Cain cast a fleeting glance at the Second Princess, his gaze sharpening, but remained silent. After the Genetic Tournament, He resolved to sever ties with the Fourth Imperial Prince and was uninterested in the Royal Familyʼs politics.

Although there were evident benefits he could attain by being associated with the Imperial Family, he was not willing to change his freedom and peace of mind for it.

Klausʼ smile persisted, yet his eyes hardened when he looked at Emerald. However, his attention was soon diverted by another voice.

”I, Yordana Manixet, pledge the Manixet name and honor in support of Colonel Laurifer.”

Standing beside Emerald, Yordana made her declaration. She invoked the name of the Prime Minister, causing many present to regard her with surprise.

Prime Minister Manixetʼs cautious and conservative nature was well-known, and he typically avoided the darker intrigues of the empire, nor did he associate with people who worked in the underworld, like assassins.

Yet, his name was now used as a pillar for Cainʼs Arcane Route, a young man mixed between the schemes of the Fourth Imperial Prince and Second Imperial Princess and also connected with the Aegon Family.

Klausʼ scrutiny intensified as he fixed Yordana with his gaze. He recognized the challenge in keeping Cain close but had at least hoped to deter others from courting him. Clearly, this was not to be, as another voice soon rang out.

”I, Marlon White, pledge the White name and honor in support of Colonel Laurifer.”

Standing beside the Second Princess, Marlon represented the Genetic Coder Association, indicating their endorsement of Cain.

The support of the Genetic Coder Association drew even more surprise than the Prime Ministerʼs since the association usually always stood neutral to games of influence and power. Clearly, Cainʼs talent was so high that they were willing to break tradition and stand behind the young man.

The Crown Prince remained mute. Since he would not ally with Cain, he saw no reason to antagonize the Fourth Imperial Prince. Still, he did not hide his smile and the approving light in his eyes as he focused on the young man.

Silence reigned after Marlonʼs words, as people were beyond amazed by the young manʼs ability to garner the backing of four significant powers of Eden.

Cain had been in Eden for less than a month and had already gained more influence and power than some millenary Noble Families.

Dominguez noticed the underlying tensions but wisely chose to stay neutral, focusing solely on objectively recording the Arcane route.

As there were people supporting Cain, there must also be those wishing him harm, so the Grand Scholar would fulfill his role without flaw to avoid becoming a target himself.

After inscribing the names of the White family, Prime Minister Manixet, and Emerald Goldsoul, Dominguez ensured no further pledges were forthcoming before turning to Cain.

”Colonel Laurifer, may the spirit of the First Titan guide your steps.”

Cain nodded, momentarily closing his eyes. As he began to channel his Astral Wave, it started as a modest mantle but quickly intensified.

”¡BOOM!”

His Astral Wave, a pillar of dark purple energy, rivaled the power of a Wave King executing a full-powered Wave Burst. The source of this staggering power was Cainʼs output, exceeding 5000%.

A formidable burst of Blood Energy followed, materializing as ethereal wings on Cainʼs back.

Desmond recognized these as the Blood Wings heʼd traded with Cain. But Cainʼs wings differed from typical manifestations. They looked as if sculpted from liquid blood - translucent with a luminous red hue, akin to internally illuminated fresh blood. Their edges appeared to drip, yet no droplets ever fell.

Desmondʼs shock was palpable. He had traded the Saint Technique less than two weeks ago, yet Cain not only had already mastered the first level, but the wings he manifested were even better than the ones described in the technique.

Little did Desmond know that Cainʼs unique design followed instincts instilled by the soul force of the Astral Blood Beast.

Cainʼs heart rate accelerated, causing the wings to flutter rapidly. Opening his eyes, they blazed with a fiery red intensity.

”BOOOOOOMMMMM!”

A thunderous sonic boom resonated as Cain propelled forward with astonishing speed, leaving fissures in the magma beneath him.

The Crown Prince, Second Princess, and Fourth Prince had high cultivation and even greater battle power, but even they had to focus not to lose Cain from their sight.

Those of the Wave Champion rank, like Yordana and Desmond, had to channel their Wave into their eyes to enhance their vision.

Dominguez and the other Senior Scholars adopted solemn expressions as they observed Cain. Although his speed was impressive, the Arcane Route was designed to test a future Marquis, a cultivator with the power of Wave Kings. Thus, they were more than capable of tracking Cainʼs movements.

There were thousands of meters of lava road before reaching the foot of the mountain, yet Cain covered this distance in less than a second and immediately began to ascend. As soon as he set foot on the volcano, adversaries appeared.

Dozens of puppets resembling members of the Dark Races emerged from the magma, lunging towards Cain with lethal intent. Given that this trial was designed for Marquises, the initial wave of puppets was already at the Wave Champion Rank.

A Wave King would effortlessly handle these Wave Champion Battle Puppets, and Cain was no exception. Everyone expected him to either dismantle them or perhaps maneuver around them.

However, Cain did neither. Instead, he continued moving forward at hypersonic speed.

”¡Boom!” ”¡Boom!” ”¡Boom!” ”¡Boom!”

As the battle puppets approached Cain, their claws and weapons clashing against his formidable body did not inflict even the slightest wound. Instead, Cain collided with them, breaking them into pieces and continuing on his path.

Awe was evident in the eyes of the onlookers. Cain had previously demonstrated his physical prowess during the Imperial Feast, but it seemed to have improved further. His body was now so resilient that he could withstand direct attacks from Wave Champions without sustaining any injuries!

Cainʼs expression remained cold as he demolished every puppet in his path. However, when he reached the volcanoʼs midpoint, his gaze intensified.

Two Battle Puppets resembling members of the Inferno Demon Race emerged from the magma, their power equivalent to Early Wave Kings. Yet, before they could react, a red flash passed beyond them, leaving headless bodies behind.

Cainʼs hands had transformed into Blood Claws, each clutching a head. He crushed them effortlessly and continued his ascent.

The Crown Prince, Second Princess, and Fourth Prince observed as Cain crossed the midpoint and approached the final third of the Ember Ascension Peak. Although Cain consistently shattered every puppet in his path, his pace began to slow.

”He has already accrued enough merits to surpass the Lesser Marquis title and become a Marquis, but it seems unlikely that heʼll reach the peak,” Michael commented objectively, without malice.

”Itʼs understandable,” the Second Princess added softly, ”The trial is set at the Marquis level. To reach the peak, Cain would need the battle power of a Late Wave King, and even that might fall short. His progress so far is impressive.”

Klaus, who had pledged his support before anyone else, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the volcano.

Cain continued his onslaught, but his breathing grew labored, and his Astral Wave began to waver. He wouldnʼt be able to sustain such intense energy output much longer. Despite these challenges, his determination never wavered, and he approached the peak with unwavering resolve.

Suddenly, the entire mountain trembled. From the magma emerged a one-hundred-meter-tall Atrox Battle Puppet.