Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Kill. Chapter 243 – Kill. Time blurred as Noah prepared himself to the best of his abilities, to ensure that this time, his loved ones would be properly protected. He had created talents, artifacts, even literal living beings that held small fragments of his power, all to shield them. He used every drop of knowledge he had, everything he could muster. And once it was all done, Noah stood calmly in the center of his training ground, surrounded by objects so valuable that the past Laeh might’ve declared war on every race for them. He inhaled, then exhaled, his expression clearly tired. No matter his rank, creating dozens of talents and beings wasn’t something easy—not even for his mind. So he materialized a bed and lay down on it calmly, slowing down time within his training room. But even that wasn’t needed. Because Laeh, once again, had stopped time across the entire world to let Noah rest properly. Best sister ever. ... At the very core of Laeh, Noelle stood beside a small-looking girl, both of them watching a screen with quiet affection. Time didn’t affect Noelle, her power allowed her to ignore it. But even so, "I don’t think you need to stop the whole world’s time every time he sleeps or needs something, you know?" Noelle said with a soft smile as she looked at Laeh. "Stopping time halts the world’s evolution. It might be subtle, almost negligible, but if you keep doing it, it’ll eventually affect your growth too." She paused and stayed silent. But Laeh didn’t even blink at her words. Her full attention remained on the peacefully sleeping Noah. His chest rose and fell in a soft, rhythmic pattern. He looked so cute. He was cute. She smiled lovingly, then finally spoke. "I don’t really care if the world’s evolution stops. As long as Big Brother feels good, I’m fine either way." Then she turned her head and looked Noelle in the eyes. "After all, what does it matter if mundane people evolve, if the owner of the whole world is stressed or suffering?" She shook her head, so adorably that Noelle almost pinched her cheeks, but refrained for the sake of the serious conversation. "It doesn’t matter. And you must know, if Noah evolves, I evolve too. So yes, I’ll stop time across the whole world, as long as he needs it." "Because he’s my lucky star... and I need him to always shine brightly." At her words, a subtle smile appeared on Noelle’s face. She had seen many things in her life—things few others could comprehend. She had traveled to places far beyond ordinary limits. She had met beings most people could never imagine. That included the Wills of worlds. She had even seen a Prime World’s Will, something almost no one could claim. And because of that experience, she found herself endlessly fascinated by Laeh. This was the first World Will she’d ever seen so full of emotion. One that was willing to endanger the entire world for a single individual. Something no other Will would ever consider because their identity came from the countless mundane lives that lived within them. But Noelle understood why. It was simple, really. Laeh was inside Noah. He’d made her possible. And more than that, they had a history. It was... interesting. And the more time passed, the more Noelle found herself growing attached to this strange world. Which is why— "Will you help him in the battle, Big Sister Noelle?" Laeh asked, eyes still locked on Noah. Noelle smiled gently. "If he asks for my help, then of course I will." "That’s the least I can do, considering the hospitality I’ve received, right?" "You’re the best, Big Sister!" Laeh exclaimed, suddenly throwing herself at Noelle for a hug, Thud. Laeh landed face-first on the ground. She raised her head slowly, glaring up at Noelle, who stood above her, sipping tea like nothing happened. Laeh pouted adorably. "Why, Big Sister? I just wanted to hug you..." Her voice and expression were filled with betrayal. But Noelle only shrugged. "I told you to stop diving at me while I drink tea. Do you know how long it took Dominique to farm this blend?" She shook her head, sighing in mock disappointment like an elder scolding spoiled children. "Kids these days. Ungrateful." Laeh’s lips twitched in barely restrained irritation, but she held back, knowing full well that Noelle would twist every single word she said. Noelle smirked. She loved teasing her. Even if the feeling wasn’t mutual. ... Meanwhile, All across the world, people were preparing to fight. They had been informed of the battle to come and so, they got ready. The former Beast King, King Mbam, stood before trillions of soldiers all of them Elysiari, including himself. Slowly, he raised his voice. "ARE YOU READY?" "YES!" "ARE YOU READY FOR BLOOD AND DEATH?" "YES!" "THEN LET’S SHOW THEM. LET’S SHOW THEM THE MIGHT OF THE ELYSIARI AND THE VAELGRIMS!" "YES, GOLDEN COMMANDER!" The space around them trembled from the sheer volume of their cries. Their eyes were sharp, their faces grim. Determined. And they weren’t the only ones. Across the world, every actor was preparing. Eric. Malrik. Rouge. Lucius. Even the former beast twins, Ray and Domy. All of them were ready. Ready to fight for their world. Ready to bleed for it. Ready to die for it. At this point, they were laser-focused. They had already felt what it meant to lose their home and the guilt and pain that came with it. You’d think they’d feel some compassion for the Shadow Realm. But they didn’t. In fact... they wanted it to bleed. Badly. What a bloodthirsty bunch. ... Noah reappeared in the waiting room, having finished his nap and feeling completely refreshed. All the women were there. Even Noelle. He looked at them and smiled. "You ready, my dears?" At his question, they all smiled at the same time. A smile full of thick, murderous intent. And slowly, in perfect sync, they opened their mouths— "Kill." That was it. One word. But that single word was enough. Because it described exactly what they were going to do. Kill. Without mercy. Without hesitation. Without question. And so, The battle against the shadows... was finally about to begin. —End of Chapter 243—