Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 198 - : DEMON WAVE X

The tension was palpable. Everyone waited anxiously to see what Brian would do. Some of the weaker knights tensed, consumed by the suspense thick in the air.

"You've made up your mind, huh? I guess I'll have to take matters into my own hands," Brian said, gripping his sword tightly. "Grey Empire imperial technique—Annihilation Slash," he whispered. Though his voice was barely audible, a cold chill crept down the spines of all who heard it. Then he struck at the gate.

[Annihilating Slash: A sword strike invented by the first emperor of the Grey Empire, Emperor Grey, after gaining an epiphany during one of his childhood training sessions. Causes 200% of total attack (+100% more attack as a result of your talent). Cooldown: 4 hours.]

Boom!

The colossal castle gate exploded under the force of Brian's ruthless attack, wood and metal scattering like leaves in a storm.

Step. Step. Step.

Daniel walked slowly through the wreckage. For the knights of the empire, each of his steps echoed like the footfalls of a devil. They watched in horror, not at the approaching demon wave they were meant to fear, but at the man who now walked through the broken gate—Brian. To them, his presence loomed larger than any monster.

Emperor Augustus, however, remained seated, exuding a calm that was almost inhuman. Regal and composed, his steady gaze didn't flinch in the face of Brian's bold advance.

Brian continued his approach with slow, deliberate steps, each one echoing through the chamber with rhythm and weight. Every eye followed him. He reached a noble's seat, forcibly removed the occupant, and placed the chair directly opposite Emperor Augustus. Sitting down, he locked eyes with the emperor in silence.

"You! How dare you act so arrogantly before the emperor?! Stand up, or I'll cut you down this instant!" Commander Harold barked, stepping forward and drawing his sword with fury.

"Shut up, or I'll help shut you up for good," Brian replied with quiet authority.

"You—!" Commander Harold shouted, rage boiling over. "How dare you speak to me like that?! I'm going to—"

He stopped mid-sentence as Emperor Augustus raised a hand, signaling for silence. The emperor then turned his calm gaze back to Brian. The room fell silent as the two men entered a tense staring contest.

"I've shown enough respect. I won't tolerate any more of your actions," Brian said, breaking the silence.

"I act as I see fit. I care not how it affects others," Augustus replied, his voice commanding and regal. novelbuddy.cσ๓

"Indeed. That's probably why you used your own prisoners and subjects for inhumane experiments," Brian accused, his expression shifting from calm to fury.

"Did Joshua love you so much that he told you everything he knew?" Augustus asked, unshaken by the revelation. "Tell me, is he still alive?"

He didn't care if his knights lost faith in him at this point. His plans were already set in motion. Nothing else mattered.

"He didn't tell me a thing," Brian said, standing up from the chair. "I always thought he was a good man. I guess that was my flaw—believing the best in others."

He couldn't bear to look at the emperor's face a second longer. The fact that such a cruel man could walk freely and live a life of comfort filled him with rage.

"So, you killed him, huh? I assume you tortured him for the information. Of course, sometimes evil is a necessary means," Augustus said, probing, attempting to bait Brian into revealing more.

"Torture? I'm not like you. I would never stoop that low," Brian said coldly. He wasn't a fool—he recognized the trap for what it was and refused to step into it.

Brian walked over to Chris and sat down beside him.

"We're not fighting in the next raid," Brian said. "We're done fighting for this empire. You can catch some rest now, bud," he added, giving Chris a light jab on the arm.

"Thank goodness," Chris sighed in relief. "I was scared you were about to go up against the emperor."

"I'm all alone, and you're exhausted. He has plenty of strong subordinates—both hidden and known. I can't take him on now," Brian admitted. "I need support. Nemesis and the ones who will stand with him... they'll help bring him down. Until then, I'll hold back my rage and wait for that day."

[The 5th demon wave has begun. Be ready!]

The system announcement rang out. But this time, there were no players to rise and fight. Brian and Chris sat unmoved, still as statues.

---

The Oracle was teleported into the Grey Empire. He moved swiftly, eager not to miss the celestial messenger's grand display. He had even prepared magicians to broadcast the divine might the messenger was about to unleash—another step to deepen the people's faith.

The Oracle arrived at the castle wall, satisfied that he had made it in time, just before the celestial messenger arrived to lay waste to the battlefield...

---

"I guess this should be the last of the small territories under attack," the celestial messenger muttered to himself. "Now it's time to head to the empire... and uproot the last of those vermin."

With that, he soared into the sky, leaving behind a crowd dazed by his power and confused by his very existence.

---

"Aren't you going to join the attack?" the war commander asked, forcing himself to speak. The weight in his heart from watching his knights be slaughtered by demons was too great to bear. His pride crumbled as he shamelessly approached Brian and Chris.

"We've done our part," Brian replied nonchalantly. "The rest is yours and your knights' responsibility. We no longer wish to interfere."

The war commander gritted his teeth. Deep down, he expected that answer. Still, he turned and walked away slowly. He wanted to beg Brian to help, but doing so would be a direct insult to the emperor's authority. All he could do was retreat and pray his men survived—especially against the terrifying foreigner who wielded fire magic like a god.

"I command you to help the empire, boy," a voice rang out, calm but filled with pressure, drawing everyone's attention.

"I demand you assist them now," the voice repeated, its owner stepping into view and standing before Brian—waiting, expecting obedience.