Chapter 2467: Conflict

เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มี.ค. 2569 15:33

Emery stepped into the grand courtyard of the Azure Cloud Estate, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Several Magus guards lay sprawled across the cobblestone ground, their robes stained with crimson as they coughed up blood. The air crackled with residual cosmic energy, and the oppressive aura of a powerful Grand Magus loomed over the estate like a storm cloud. "Vernon!" the patriarch’s voice trembled with fury, echoing across the yard. "What is the meaning of this? What debt are you talking about?!" Vernon’s smirk widened, his tone dripping with mockery. "Master Shaw, you truly are a noble man… forgetting such simple matters. Everyone knows the Azure Cloud Clan is struggling. You came to me, desperate for help last month!" "That’s a lie!" the patriarch snapped back. "I’ve repaid every coin I borrowed!" "Yes…" Vernon drawled, his voice like poisoned honey. "But not the interest." "Interest?!" The patriarch staggered slightly, clutching his chest. "The Azure Cloud and Amber Fell clans have supported each other for decades without ever demanding interest! Why now, Vernon? Why!?" Vernon’s smirk faded into a sneer, his eyes flashing with malice. "Don’t make me laugh, old man! Business is business. You borrow—you pay interest. Simple as that." The patriarch’s body trembled with suppressed rage, his face paling as his sickness flared up. With a shudder, he coughed violently, blood staining his sleeves. "Father!" Ella cried out, rushing to her father’s side. Her dark eyes flared with anger as she turned to Vernon. "You vile snake! How dare you do this!" Vernon chuckled darkly. "Oh, dear Ella, such harsh words. But there’s a way to settle this peacefully…" His smirk twisted into something vile as his gaze settled on the young woman. "You can marry my son Muller here. Then your debt will be… forgiven." Vernon turned to his son, who stepped forward eagerly. "What you think son? You agree?" Muller’s oily smile glistened under the sunlight, his pale face flushed with excitement. "Yes… yes, father. Miss Ella is a beauty. I would be happy to make her mine." "You go too far, Vernon!" the patriarch roared, his voice trembling with fury. But his weakened body betrayed him, and another violent cough wracked his chest, spilling blood onto the pristine courtyard stones. Vernon threw back his head and laughed. "Look at you! A dying old man, clinging to pride and honor. Just hand over your estate and your daughter, and I’ll make sure the Azure Cloud name doesn’t fade into obscurity." Muller licked his lips, his gaze raking over Ella with predatory hunger. "Ella! Let’s get married right away! I can’t wait for the bridal chamber!" The Dark Elf captain, Ella’s loyal protector, stepped forward. His hand rested on the hilt of his enchanted blade, and his eyes blazed with protective fury. "How dare you speak to my lady in such a way! Watch your tongue!!" The smirk vanished from Vernon’s face, replaced by a mask of cold fury. "Huh!! The elders are talking! Do you have the right to speak!!?!.. If you dont know the rules! Die!! Before anyone could react, Vernon clenched his fist, and cosmic energy erupted from his palm. A shimmering force struck the Dark Elf captain square in the chest, sending him flying backward into a stone pillar with a sickening crack! Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to rise. "NO!!" Ella shouted in alarm, rushing to shield her fallen protector. "Stay back, Ella!" her father commanded weakly, but Vernon was already moving. With a flick of his wrist, cosmic chains shot forward, wrapping around Ella’s arms and torso, locking her in place. She gasped as the cold, unyielding energy bound her tightly, preventing even the slightest movement. "You dare touch my daughter?!" the patriarch roared, his frail body trembling with fury. His silver hair billowed in the sudden wind as a burst of raw cosmic energy erupted from his frail form. Summoning every ounce of his strength, the patriarch unleashed his Domain. The air crackled with raw energy, arcs of light crackling like furious serpents across the sky. Powerful gusts of wind spiraled around him, whipping loose tiles from the courtyard and sending debris scattering in every direction. His trembling hands gripped the hilt of his ornate sword, and its blade ignited with ethereal blue flames. Vernon merely grinned, unimpressed. His crimson robes fluttered in the chaotic winds as he raised his fist, cloaked in swirling crimson energy. The oppressive force emanating from him pushed down on everyone present, making even seasoned guards falter.The patriarch lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with blistering speed. Every swing left an afterimage of searing light in its wake.Vernon met the assault head-on, his armored fist crashing against the glowing blade. Sparks erupted from the collision, accompanied by a deafening crack! The cobblestones beneath them splintered, spider-web cracks spreading outward as waves of energy rippled through the ground. The duel lasted only moments. The patriarch faltered, his knees buckling as his strength gave out. He fell to one knee, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his trembling hand still clutching his sword. "Father!" Ella cried out, her voice trembling with fear. The estate guards rushed forward in a panic, forming a defensive line around the weakened patriarch. Vernon let out a booming laugh, his voice echoing off the estate walls. "Look at you! Pathetic. Weak. Do you still think you can protect your family? Just surrender already!" The chains binding Ella began to pull her closer to Vernon. The guards rushed forward in desperation, but Vernon’s men intercepted them, cutting them down with brutal efficiency. One guard managed to break through, only to be crushed under Vernon’s fist, his lifeless body crumpling to the ground. Vernon sneered as he yanked on the chains, pulling Ella closer with each step. But then—snap! The cosmic chains shattered into glittering fragments, dispersing into the air. Vernon froze, his eyes wide with shock. "Who dares?!" A calm yet commanding voice rang out across the courtyard. "This border city is quite amusing… to see someone attempting to kidnap a young woman in broad daylight." A lone figure stepped forward from the crowd. Emery walked with deliberate confidence, his piercing gaze locked onto Vernon. His casual stance belied the raw power emanating from him, and despite the tense atmosphere, there was no trace of fear in his eyes. "I suggest you let the girl go." "Mister Emery…!" Ella gasped, hope flickering in her eyes. The courtyard waited, breathless, as two figures stared each other down.

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