Chapter 365: A Fully Constructed Stage - I
Upon the boundless azure ocean, Evora, clad in a resplendent flame-hued gown, stood with her arms crossed over her chest, gazing down expressionlessly.
"The Lost Sea..."
She murmured softly, "Could you be the key to the last struggle of that damned old crone?"
The calm sea surface suddenly rippled, and beneath the clear turquoise waters, a sinister and massive shadow began to glide slowly, like a giant maw from the abyss, swallowing the pure and bright world, bringing only the deepest, darkest terror.
"Hah... Creatures too cowardly to tread on land, who can only parasitize to gain strength, dare to threaten me?"
A fierce smile, incongruous with her stunning visage, spread across her face, and even the words she uttered seemed to carry a scorching intensity:
"Come."
With one hand behind her back and the other pointing skyward, Evora looked down disdainfully at the shadow below.
The space above her head began to twist and warp wildly, and at the edge of that distorted space, the blood flames symbolizing the pure power of Flamefeast blazed fiercely… It appeared as though she had forcibly carved an unstable, independent space into existence with the fire of Flamefeast!
Space is an essence that provides immense aid to extraordinary beings, whether it be the significant teleportation circles or the storage spaces that all extraordinary beings rely on, its convenience is universally acknowledged.
Due to the empress's oppression, extraordinary beings refrain from developing lethal spells or abilities. For functional essences like space, sorcerers seldom explore in their destructive applications.
But this does not mean that the destruction they can cause is any less terrifying.
The collapse of an unstable space can be described in one word—annihilation.
Evora, naturally violent, had no trouble creating this simple explosive device. Warned by the Tidecaller, she did not hesitate to respond in kind, utterly disregarding the adversary.
She stood there, smirking at the shadow beneath the sea, well aware that the real behemoth lurked in the depths. Yet, even if it dared to surface, Evora harbored no fear.
But the colossal shadow showed no signs of retreat. The ripples on the sea's surface gradually turned into waves, and in the clear sky without a hint of storm, the all-embracing ocean, under the dominion of the divine species, stirred with fury.
Just as a terrifying collision that would make the world tremble seemed imminent, Evora suddenly raised her eyebrows and looked towards the west, in the direction of the imperial capital.
"... What does this mean, my despicable sister, what is she planning to do now?"
She muttered to herself, her brows gradually furrowing. Then, glancing at the shadow gliding below and showing displeasure, she remarked, "Consider yourself lucky, mongrel."
"—As if."
The woman suddenly burst into a reckless and arrogant laugh, hurling the massive twisted space above her head directly downwards. Then, her figure instantly vanished above the ocean.
An hour later, the three bustling port cities closest to the Lost Sea in the East Harbor suffered a brutal attack by the sea tribe. It took the simultaneous efforts of the three grand dukes stationed in East Harbor to suppress them, but not without significant losses.
This, the Elder Princess who had instantly returned to the imperial capital, would not know, or rather, even if she did know, she wouldn't care.
In the brightly lit grand hall, Evora, who had instantly returned to her throne from the Lost Sea, rested her chin on one hand and looked down at the female attendant below, saying expressionlessly:
"What did you say Suellen wants to do?"
"She contacted the Tower of Babel and the Etheric Academy, planning to trade for a… highly adaptable data system from the Tower of Babel, which will then be modified by the Etheric Academy and intended to be made available for use in the training of extraordinary beings."
A flame burst forth in Evora's eyes, she first chuckled lowly, then couldn't help but burst into loud laughter:
"Hehehe... Hahahaha! Suellen, Suellen, should I say you are audacious, or should I say, utterly foolish?"
Evora was struggling against Ephesande with the mindset of ruling the empire. Although as time passed, she would inevitably care less and less about everything in the empire, at least for now, she indeed wanted to conduct a "normal" rule.
Subjects who obey her, nobles loyal to her, people who adore her, and lands awaiting conquest—every time she thought of these, Evora's blood boiled.
This is one of the greatest significances of the empire's existence, anchoring the humanity of Flamefeast with the most irresistible supreme desire for power.
Indeed, while Evora may claim to care, it's doubtful she truly holds the empire's citizens in regard. At this stage, only extraordinary beings can capture her interest, and thus, in her struggle against Ephesande, she naturally focuses on subjugating extraordinary beings who will obey her without question, thereby expanding her influence and base of power.
Suellen's actions… undoubtedly represent her desire to interfere in this domain.
Evora finds Suellen's attempt to share in her spoils more amusing than displeasing, as it seems as laughable as watching a three-year-old brandishing a wooden sword, claiming to commit robbery.
However, after her laughter subsides, Evora's expression turns cold.
After all, that annoying little bitch has the backing of that old undying entity, and it's uncertain to what extent she could go.
Of course, what's most important is Suellen's… repeated provocations and offenses.
"Do you think I'm actually afraid of that old thing?"
Evora sneers with a fiery breath that momentarily raises the temperature of the grand hall, her eyes faintly ablaze: "It seems, this time, I need to teach you a painful lesson, whether it's to burn your face off or strip you naked and throw you into the square..."
As she contemplates this, the harmless and handsome face of Ansel suddenly comes to mind.
[I don't believe you don't want to take revenge on your somewhat presumptuous sister]
"Ansel..."
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The coldness on the woman's face softens, and she becomes pensive.
If it were him... he could not only make Suellen pay the price but also leave that old entity without any leverage. However, the cost would be being used by him, possibly in ways I might not even notice...
"Hmph."
Evora suddenly huffs, but not with any cruel or violent intent; rather, she seems quite pleased.
"It wouldn't be bad to let you taste some sweetness occasionally... Use me then, perhaps I might even find your weakness in the process."
With this thought, Evora's mood instantly brightens.
As for what Ansel's plan is, how it should be executed, the likelihood of success, and what role she herself should play... Evora doesn't consider or worry about such things.
Because the only male in this world whom she truly acknowledges will never disappoint her.
*