Chapter 2186: The Strongest Child of Light. Today, the great hall of Aurendor’s Citadel was silent—so much so that even Light itself dared not move here. The golden banners that usually danced in radiant harmony were now hung still, heavy with tension. The hall, which was once filled with people—Vexarion’s subordinates who constantly came up with different suggestions to help their Lord—was now empty. Only two beings remained here. One sitting on the High Throne that belonged to Vexarion. And the other, Vexarion, kneeling on the floor. Yes, Vexarion was kneeling in his own hall, his head remained low, his body dared not move, and on his throne—sat another being. A being covered in golden brilliance, his presence alone enough to make the very air hum with divinity. Auren Light. One of the strongest Light Borns in the entire Universe—a Light Born now moving directly under Lady Seraphielle’s orders. Auren’s very existence bent the concept of purity—his halo was not a mere ring but a blazing sun, shedding warmth and authority alike. He did not need to speak for Vexarion to tremble; just his presence alone did that. "...Are you prepared for your duel tomorrow?" In the silent hall, Auren’s soft, polite yet strangely powerful voice was heard. Vexarion’s body flinched at those words. He, however, stayed silent. His jaw tightened, his eyes remained locked on the marble beneath him. That simple question felt like a blade pressed to his throat—a question he did not want to answer under any situation. But... The Light Born tilted his head slightly. His golden eyes flickered once before settling on the kneeling figure. "I asked a question, Lord Justice." He spoke, not even hiding his disdain when he called him by his title. And this time, Vexarion dared not remain silent. He spoke in a low, restrained voice—like a submissive subordinate with a deeply ingrained fear of his master. "I am... prepared, my lord. But—" "But?" Auren interrupted; his tone was still calm but... infinitely sharper now. "Are you... doubting the plan?" The Light Born asked, and in an instant—Vexarion’s throat went dry. He knew what Auren was truly asking. Even a child could see it. This wasn’t about honesty or what he thought—the Light Born wanted... obedience. But... Vexarion couldn’t just let it happen either. He... he needed to express himself at any cost. "I... only wish to express my concern, my lord." Vexarion said, carefully choosing each word. "The duel itself is meaningless now. Sharnoth Nocthys has disappeared, and the reports claim she is with the Anomaly himself. Even the Leander Family—my supposed allies—seem to be connected to the Anomaly and the Chain Breakers who challenged the Four Supreme Worlds. Surely, you understand, my lord... this is... no longer a duel. It is a trap. A trap to capture me because of Sharnoth Nocthys’s personal grievances with me." "Yes," Auren nodded, his fingers resting lightly on the throne’s armrest as he smiled faintly. "I am aware." Those words froze Vexarion. Auren leaned forward slightly, his golden aura expanding, washing over the hall like a tide. Crack The marble beneath Vexarion’s knees cracked from the pressure. "You are perceptive, Vexarion Aurendor." He praised and then— "That is precisely why you were chosen." "Chosen...?" Vexarion repeated, though the word already burned on his tongue, and Auren... his smile deepened. "Indeed. You will participate in that duel tomorrow. And you will do so willingly. Because you, Vexarion Aurendor, are our bait." He spoke without hiding anything. Vexarion’s head remained bowed, but his fists clenched tightly beneath the folds of his robes. His molten veins pulsed angrily, yet he did not move. He couldn’t. Every instinct screamed for him to fight back—but even that was meaningless before this being. And it wasn’t just because the man in front of him belonged to the Supreme World of Light. Even if he wasn’t a part of the Supreme World and supported by an Infinity—Vexarion could feel it. He wasn’t a being he could offend. Yes, both of them were Eternals, but... the difference between the two was simply absurd. If they fought, it wouldn’t even be called a battle. It would be... a one-sided show—and a show where Vexarion was getting beaten mercilessly. Yes, the difference between the two Eternals was that big—even when Vexarion himself was one of the stronger Eternals. Auren himself was not normal— He was... the third strongest being in the Supreme World of Light, ranked right under Lady Seraphielle and Lord Light. The Light Born otherwise known by the title—the Strongest Child of Light. If the strongest beings in the Universe were counted, his name would be mentioned right after the Four Infinities. Someone like Vexarion... he was no match for Auren. This is why... He could only kneel—even when he was called and treated like mere bait. Auren stared at him in silence, his eyes reflecting an amused sympathy— "The Supreme Worlds need certainty. The Anomaly, for some reason, is interested in the Heir of Chaos—it is an opportunity we cannot give up on. He will interfere in your battle against Sharnoth Nocthys tomorrow. Your presence will draw him out, and once that happens— The Light will handle the rest." "The Light... will handle the rest..." Vexarion repeated softly, his voice trembling between disbelief and... restrained hatred. He wanted to laugh. They expected him to fight someone, knowing fully well that the Anomaly—the same entity that defied all four Supreme Worlds and survived this long to the point the entire Universe knew of his tale—and survive long enough to serve as bait? How ridiculous! They clearly did not care whether he lived or died! They only cared about the Anomaly! "Do not misunderstand," Suddenly, Auren added as he watched him closely. "You will not die. At least, not immediately. The moment the Anomaly reveals himself, reinforcements will arrive. The Supreme World of Light will not let you fall... not before your purpose is fulfilled." It was almost a comfort. Almost. Vexarion lifted his gaze slightly, enough to see the Light Born’s radiant silhouette through his lowered lashes. "And if he doesn’t appear?" He asked quietly. "He will." Auren answered with a sharp tone. Vexarion turned silent again, inwardly, however, he screamed. ’He will, he will, of course he will! He will come, and I will die before any of you can do anything! That monster has been going around killing Eternities and devouring High-Level Worlds as if they were snacks! What the hell am I supposed to do against an entity like that!? How could I possibly last long enough!?’ Could Auren hear his internal screaming? Even if he could, it did not matter. Auren wasn’t one to care about other foolish beings; he simply had one goal in his mind—capture the Anomaly and deliver him to Lady Seraphielle. As for the resources used to take care of such a matter—once again—cost simply did not matter, be it living or inanimate. Finally, with a smooth motion, Auren rose from the throne, his golden robes flowing like liquid sunlight. When he stood, the entire room brightened instinctively, as if the light itself obeyed him. Step Step Step He descended the steps slowly, each footstep echoing like chimes. Vexarion did not dare look up, though his hatred burned bright behind his calm face. When Auren stopped in front of him, he placed a hand on Vexarion’s shoulder. "For your own good," The Light Born said softly. "Obey the will of Light. You have already been granted far more grace than most." And Vexarion... The only thing he could do— "...As you command, my lord." Was to bow his head and nod. Auren smiled faintly—pleased with the submission—and turned to leave. His steps were silent, his radiance shrinking only slightly as he reached the doors of the hall. Before leaving, he spoke one last time without turning around: "You will find soon, Lord Justice..." He turned slightly, the halo behind him flaring. "...that obedience often leads to salvation." Saying those words, the Strongest Child of Light walked away. Vexarion’s hall instantly turned dark the moment he left. "..." "..." For a good few seconds, there was only silence. Vexarion remained kneeling, his head lowered. He stared at his shoulder, where Auren had touched him, and saw it— The Mark of Light. The mark that would track all his movements all the time, even when Auren himself wasn’t there to keep an eye on him. "Salvation, huh..." Vexarion muttered, not moving for a long time. Then—slowly—he exhaled, his fingers uncurled, scraping against the cracked marble, leaving faint streaks of molten gold. ’Your salvation will come... when I rip that halo off your skull.’ Of course, he did not dare say those words out loud. No one in the entire Universe did—or at least... that’s what Vexarion thought— But then— "He sure is arrogant, huh?" A voice was heard. Vexarion turned towards the voice in surprise and— "You look... so pitiful. It is so disappointing to see you like this. I wanted you to always shine brighter than anyone else—so I could crush that light myself." His eyes fell on the one who spoke— "W-What are you doing here...? Sharnoth Nocthys!"