The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2465: Tricking the Dark Blood Kingdom (I)

What Cain began to search for within Aerion’s soul were the principles behind the Power of Karma.

Normally, such an effort would have been pointless. Even if Cain obtained a complete and deeply comprehensive understanding of Aerion’s karmic abilities, the knowledge alone would be useless. Without the Ancestor Drop of Aerion, the power itself could not be replicated.

It was like mastering the theory of fire while lacking oxygen, or achieving perfect understanding of swordsmanship while holding only a bow.

Even if Cain consumed that drop, it would only strengthen his own lineage rather than grant him the unique properties of another.

And yet... there was always the possibility of a miracle.

”The chances of success aren’t high,” Cain muttered to himself. ”But I lose nothing by trying.”

Without mercy or hesitation, he began extracting the fragments of Aerion’s soul that contained the essence of his Ancestral Power. Those fragments were carefully separated and drawn toward Cain’s own spiritual core.

The damage grew rapidly.

Cracks spread deeper through Aerion’s soul structure, and even the stabilizing influence of the Quietus Force began to tremble under the strain. It was clear that if Cain continued at the same pace, the soul would not endure much longer.

Fortunately, Cain had already obtained what he needed—the underlying framework and principles governing Aerion’s ancestral ability. Rather than pushing forward recklessly, he stopped.

Instead, he shifted his attention to the vast reservoir of information related to the Soul Eternal Realm. Military structures, internal hierarchies, power classifications, secret protocols—Cain absorbed it all methodically.

Only after gathering a sufficient amount did he withdraw his presence, allowing Aerion’s soul a brief period of rest.

It was then that Cain finally turned his attention to the Dark Blood Ring.

He sent a strand of his consciousness into it.

”Scarlet King!”

The moment his mind connected, a furious voice exploded within the communication space. The authority and wrath carried within it left no doubt about its owner.

The Dark Blood King.

His voice continued, cold and merciless.

”Neglecting your duties and abandoning your responsibilities as a General of the Dark Blood Kingdom is a grave crime. Report to the capital immediately, or you will be declared a traitor.”

The transmission ended.

There were no additional threats. No attempts at persuasion. No further explanation.

The message was simple.

Return to the capital and face judgment for disobeying General Fausto’s orders.

Or refuse—and be hunted down like an animal.

The Dark Blood King was still a being Cain could not confront directly. Earning his wrath was dangerous... possibly fatal.

Yet instead of fear, a surge of excitement rose within Cain’s heart.

Everything was unfolding exactly as planned.

He allowed the thrill to linger for a moment before suppressing it. His expression hardened, his gaze turning solemn and composed—the face of a man ready to answer for his crimes.

Without hesitation, Cain shot into the sky.

His figure became a streak of crimson light as he flew toward the capital of the Dark Blood Kingdom like a falling star.

He did not summon the Royal Guard. He traveled alone.

This was not because he feared they would become targets.

Ironically, despite their cruelty and bloodlust, members of the Blutlinie race rarely harmed the families or subordinates of their enemies. This restraint did not come from honor or morality. It was simply because such actions were considered inefficient.

Family bonds meant very little among the Blutlinie.

Brothers killed brothers. Children usurped their fathers. Entire kingdoms had been forged through internal slaughter.

Personal attachments were weaknesses most of their kind had long since abandoned.

The real reason Cain traveled alone was much simpler.

Speed.

The underground cavern where he had hidden was not far from the capital. Less than six hours later, Cain crossed the outer defenses and entered the city.

The moment he arrived, he felt it.

Powerful gazes locked onto him from multiple directions.

”They were all waiting for me,” Cain thought.

Outwardly, his expression remained calm and serious. Inside, however, the thrill only intensified.

He accelerated toward the massive castle at the heart of the capital and entered without delay, heading straight for the great hall where the War Council had previously gathered.

This time, they were already assembled.

Waiting for him stood the Dark Blood King, General Fausto, General Averus, the Heartcram King, and the Evernight Queen.

The moment Cain stepped inside, an overwhelming aura flooded the chamber.

The Dark Blood King’s presence pressed down on him like an endless abyss. Space seemed to distort. Time itself felt sluggish, as if Cain were being pulled into a vortex where existence might simply cease.

Cain frowned slightly as the pressure weighed against his body and soul.

But his eyes remained sharp.

There was no fear in them.

The Dark Blood King’s gaze narrowed when he noticed that.

After a moment, the oppressive aura receded, though the anger in his voice remained explosive.

”In the coming months and years, this kingdom will be engulfed in war, conflict, and political struggle. Every General under my command must understand the responsibility that comes with their power and their title.”

His eyes locked onto Cain.

”Those who ignore orders and break the chain of command are not merely useless. They are liabilities. And I do not tolerate liabilities in my realm.”

When he finished, General Fausto stepped forward.

”Your strength is unquestionable,” the dragon-like Royal Blutlinie said calmly. ”But strength alone is not enough. We need commanders who follow orders, who coordinate, and who strengthen the unity of our forces.”

His gaze hardened.

”You are not such a commander.”

He paused briefly before continuing in a colder tone.

”At present, the most practical course of action is to take everything you possess—your authority, your resources, your position, your blood—and grant it to someone else. That individual may not be as powerful as you, but at least he will fight as part of the army rather than apart from it.”

Cain glanced around the hall.

General Averus showed no reaction at all, his expression distant and indifferent, as if Cain’s fate did not concern him in the slightest.

The Heartcram King, however, did not bother hiding his satisfaction. A faint smile curved across his face.

As for the Evernight Queen, she looked bored, her gaze unfocused, clearly uninterested in whatever decision would be made.

Cain could have spoken.

He could have argued, explained his actions, or tried to manipulate the situation with careful words and layered schemes.

Instead, he simply raised his hand.

With a flick of power, space distorted beside him.

And Aerion’s body appeared before the entire assembly.