Chapter 276 The Era Of Ruination
Aengus floated above the Crimson City's forces, exuding an aura of divine dominance. His cold, commanding voice rang out over the battlefield:
"Behold! Your almighty Demon Lord is dead. This will happen to anyone who refuses to surrender!"
A wave of defiance erupted from the Crimson City's forces.
"We won't surrender to a human!"
"Never!"
Their growls and shouts echoed across the battlefield. To them, surrendering to a human was the ultimate humiliation, an insult to their demon pride. Aengus, understanding their inherited hatred for humanity, remained calm.
As Aria, Bella, and the others joined him, Aengus' form shifted. His body expanded and contorted, transforming into a terrifying nine-headed hydra, each head exuding a menacing aura.
Gasps filled the battlefield.
"What kind of ability is this?" someone muttered in shock.
"I hope you don't confuse by my forms ever again," Aengus growled, his voice layered with the snarls of beasts. "I am Heaven and Hell—ever-changing, eternal."
The chilling tone of his words struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. They were forced to remember how their invincible Demon Lord had been effortlessly obliterated.
Before long, a large fraction of the enemy forces, overwhelmed by terror, began to kneel in submission. Relief washed over Sen, Sienna, and others in Aengus' army. They knew the grim fate awaiting those who refused to surrender.
Unfortunately that was going to happen right now.
Aengus' sharp gaze focused on the remaining defiant demons, standing proud amidst their fallen comrades.
"Do you wish to die?" Aengus asked, his voice resonating with an otherworldly menace.
Before anyone could stop him, he reached out with an unseen force. Hundreds of reluctant demons were dragged screaming into the void-like maw of one of his hydra heads. The black hole-like vortex devoured them, their existence erased in an instant, as if consumed by a primordial beast.
The battlefield fell silent, except for the rustling of the wind.
Aengus reached Level 430, and his aura soared even higher.
Avelina, who had formerly served the Dragon Empire, stood speechless among the Liberation Army, alongside the other humans.
"Just how far will you go? At this rate, the whole world will be under your feet. I have to beg him for my family's safety when the time comes,
" Avelina muttered inwardly.
Following that, Aengus accepted the surrender of 80 million demons under the Liberation Army. He was hailed as the new Demon Lord of the former Crimson Domain, now renamed the Domain of Ruination.
Aengus's new title became Demon Lord Ruination, a name that reflected his mysterious origin and growing legend.
Sen, Sienna, and the other commanders received orders to collect the corpses of the fallen, which would serve to strengthen Aengus and his subordinates further.
Aengus didn't forget to gather the bones of Demon Lord Crimson, intending to synthesize them with Bella to enhance her fire abilities and make them even more destructive.
Aengus, accompanied by Aria, Bella, and Belial, was escorted by towering demons through the massive gates of Crimson City.
Every guard, child, elderly citizen, and even beggars lowered their heads in submission as Aengus and his group passed through the streets, making their way toward the Demon Lord's Throne in the towering castle at the city's center.
Belial walked with a satisfied expression, his head held high, feeling a deep sense of pride as he accompanied his victorious son-in-law.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, a pair of children fell from the top of a building just as Aengus was making his debut known.
It was considered a grave disrespect and an act punishable by immediate execution under the old laws of Crimson's rule.
The parents of the children froze in horror, their faces pale and filled with despair as their hearts sank. They knew the harsh traditions, and the thought of their children being executed filled them with dread.
The fall was clearly an accident; the children had been curiously watching the procession of the new Demon Lord when they lost their balance.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as everyone turned their attention to the falling children, expecting swift punishment.
Aengus, however, moved in a flash. His aura flared as he extended his hand toward the children mid-fall.
In an instant, a gust of controlled wind cradled the children, gently stopping their descent. He carefully lowered them to the ground before they could even graze it.
The crowd was stunned, and whispers filled the air.
"H-He saved them..."
"The new Demon Lord is merciful?"
"Such power... and compassion?"
Aengus walked toward the trembling demon children, who stared at him with wide, tear-filled eyes.
"Children should not bear the burden of fear in my domain," he said calmly, his voice resonating with authority and unexpected warmth.
Turning to the parents, who were already on their knees sobbing in gratitude, he continued, "Your children are safe. But teach them caution in the future."
The parents bowed deeply, their voices shaking. "Thank you, Lord! We will never forget your mercy!"
Aengus raised his head, addressing the entire city.
"The laws of the past are no longer absolute. This domain will no longer thrive on fear and cruelty. Absolute strength and unity will guide us forward!" Aengus declared firmly.
Though his words were crafted to leave a lasting impression on the people, he meant every one of them.
"Thanks to Lord Ruination for freeing us from the tyrant!"
"May our lord have endless glory!" .net
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices filled with newfound hope. The fear and uncertainty that had gripped them moments ago melted into admiration and awe for their new ruler.
Aria and Bella exchanged warm smiles, their eyes reflecting a mix of pride and tenderness. Aengus' act of compassion stirred their hearts, especially now that they were both about to carry the hope of their own children within them.
As they stood beside Aengus, they couldn't help but picture a bright future where their children thrived in a world their father was Creater—a world built on strength but balanced with fairness and care.
Belial smirked, observing his son-in-law. His calculated display of power and mercy had not only subdued the populace but also earned their unwavering loyalty.
"Not bad, Son-In-Law,"
Belial thought to himself.
"You've mastered the art of ruling—strength tempered with compassion. This domain will soon flourish under your reign."
With the crowd cheering louder, Aengus raised his hand, signaling to quiet down.
"Now, let us move forward together," he declared. "This is the dawn of a new era—the
Era of Ruination
!"