Chapter 2069: The Universe is watching "They say that they do not desire pointless deaths, They offer a direct Death Battle between Lord Justice and their Leader, Sharnoth Nocthys. All of this would stop no matter the outcome of this battle." The subordinate spoke as he extended his hands holding the official statement of Khaemorr. And at his words, Ythric’s face turned solemn. Just as he expected, it was all connected. He looked at Vexarion, wanting his permission. Vexarion, knowing what he wanted, nodded, and with a wave of his hand, Ythric made Khaemorr’s statement float into his hands. He quickly opened the scroll and started reading. ’We do not seek needless bloodshed. To preserve what remains of peace, we offer a Death Duel—between Lady Sharnoth Nocthys and the so-called Herald of Justice, Vexarion Aurendor. One battle. One outcome. Let this war end with dignity, rather than slaughter. Regardless of the outcome, all hostilities shall cease. To honor your values and traditions, we leave the structure of the accord to Aurendor’s discretion, believing you will honor it with fairness that the Herald of Justice is revered for. Know this: should this proposal be declined, history will not look kindly upon the path that follows. The Universe is watching—and it will remember not only the victor, but those who turned away from the chance to prevent further deaths. We shall await your reply with patience. For two days, our blades shall rest, our forces shall hold. No blood shall fall—not by our hand. Let this interval be a testament to the sincerity of our offer, and to the choice now set before you. Let it not be said, in days to come, that no path was offered. Nor that it was we who turned from it.’ Ythric’s face turned solemn as he read the content. He glanced at Vexarion, telling him that he should read it. Vexarion nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the scroll appeared in his hand. The moment he read the content, just like Ythric’s, his face turned solemn as well. ’Regardless of the outcome, all hostilities shall cease.’ These words were more than enough for Vexarion to know this: even though there was no official declaration, it was clear that Khaemorr wanted them to know the Leander Family was now on their side. And... ’The Universe is watching—and it will remember not only the victor, but those who turned away from the chance to prevent further deaths.’ It was a direct threat. Those bastards plan to pin all deaths after this on them. If Aurendor did not accept this, the consequences would be on them. After all, no matter what, at the end of the day, they were part of the Light Faction. If that wasn’t the case, the deaths wouldn’t have mattered—the Darkness Faction would have actually preferred if there were more deaths. But... They were the ’good’ people; they cannot take the blame for all these deaths. Of course, Aurendor could still decide to ignore the threat and continue the War as they have till now, Or at least... that was what they could have done before. After all, the Worlds in their Factions were strong—even if the War continued, they wouldn’t fall. Their reputation wouldn’t fall either since the worlds from Aurendor Faction could easily release a statement saying they wished to participate in the battle for Justice’s sake and wished to fight for the cause and whatnot. But now, things were different. With the Leander Family in the mix, Protecting their subordinate worlds wouldn’t be easy—even their strongest worlds fell without putting up any resistance. The rest wouldn’t be any different either. If what happened with Khaemorr happened with them too, controlling the worlds under them would become impossible. If the Leander Family started targeting all the worlds that released the official statements and showed the intent of participating in the War, Making other worlds release the same statement wouldn’t be an option anymore. It would no longer be the fight for Justice or for a cause; it would simply be a one-sided massacre. A massacre that Aurendor allowed by not accepting Khaemorr’s offer. They would be framed as Cowards. The reputation they have built after millions of years of work would crumble and be smeared to dust. It wouldn’t be surprising if they were kicked out of the Light Faction, and no other Supreme Faction would then take them in, since no one would want others’ leftovers. Once that happened and Aurendor lost Supreme World’s support, they would become an open target for the rest of the Universe—it would truly mark the end of Aurendor and Vexarion. "..." Vexarion clenched his fists. Just yesterday, everything was under his complete control. He actually thought it was a pity that he didn’t take out Khaemorr a lot sooner than this. He thought it was a done battle, and yet now... He was being forced to play the move Khaemorr had been wanting him to play all this while. A direct battle with Sharnoth Nocthys. Direct battles were something Vexarion usually avoided. He was a wary being, and he knew his Faction was strong; he had always used that to his advantage. But now... Things have turned around, And the only way to avoid the outcome Khaemorr wanted was to appeal to the Supreme World of Light, tell them that Sharnoth possesses the Energy of Chaos, and let them take care of it. That, however, would not only take away his opportunity to be rewarded by the Supreme World of Light, it would also deem him useless, making it difficult for him to make any further impression. ’Tsk.’ Vexarion snorted, his frustration couldn’t be clearer. The lack of options annoyed him. ’How did they get in touch with the Leander Family!?’ He screamed inwardly. It all happened because of those bastards! If only they hadn’t acted! Or better, if only they had contacted him first! It would have been much different then; he could have given them whatever they desired and got them to his side, 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮 If... If only they had contacted him first—no, if only they had contacted him at all! He was sure he could get them on his side. "Lord Justice." Suddenly, Ythric called out. "What is it...?" Vexarion questioned as he glanced at Ythric, who had taken out a buzzing Call Artifact, "I-It is the channel I gave to the Leander Family... T-They are contacting us!" Ythric reported, and in an instant, Vexarion’s expression changed.