Lord Of The World: I Become The Lord Of The Desert From The Start Chapter 1155 629: The Final Battle, the Beginning of a New Era [10/12]

Impatience and madness increasingly gripped Asmodeus.

Yet, his scheme to crush Richard and the demon forces aimed at seizing Twilight City yielded no success.

The early thrill of reaping benefits as the crafty fisherman now faded away. Dread started gnawing at his core.

Ultimately, profound despair welled up within him.

The agony of near-victory snatched away by the foe felt like countless ants devouring his heart.

"Why?!!"

Ruler of the Ninth Hell, yet unable to overcome the Grace Mainland Overlord!

How was this possible for the opponent?

Countless instances, he sensed the enemy's strength teetering on collapse. Just a bit more push, and total destruction awaited. But every effort failed!

The gemstone scepter had stabbed into Richard's chest, yet slaying the overlord remained impossible!

Rage and defiance surged through Asmodeus's heart.

Time ticked onward once more. The final hour, half-hour, ten minutes!

"Ah!"

Impending time's weight shattered Asmodeus's mind completely. A feral bellow erupted from his throat, while blood oozed from fissures across his form.

In utter desperation, he yanked the hundreds of freshly swallowed souls from his own essence and funneled them via the gemstone scepter into Richard's body.

Such an act would trigger devastating backlash upon himself. He couldn't care less!

A horrifying roar assaulted Richard, followed by a savage curse detonating in his mind, intent on ripping his soul asunder.

'Puchi!'

Blood gushed from his mouth.

Soul torment dwarfed bodily pain by ten thousandfold!

The force shredded his soul; he couldn't even remain upright. Nearly did he release the spellcaster clutched in his grasp.

Consciousness plunged toward oblivion, the Reaper's stare upon him.

Rationality and cognition faded bit by bit.

Yet at this pivotal juncture, his gaze locked on Asmodeus without retreat.

He gnashed his lips fiercely till they bled, baring bone!

'Asmodeus! Are you worthy of claiming my life?'

'Absolutely! No! Way!'

The attribute panel's countdown pressed on.

Five minutes, three, two, one!

Asmodeus descended into total insanity. Ignoring all repercussions, he burned his soul in explosive fury. Desperate for a last turnaround, he sought to smash Richard into pulp!

The soul formed life's core essence. Asmodeus's frenzy eroded his very roots. Power would plummet to nadir, with slim chance of restoration even if he endured!

Still, amid sacrifice and blasts, Asmodeus beheld the foe's unyielding resolve!

Richard stood as an indomitable lone vessel amid raging tempests. However fierce the gale, downfall stayed ever just out of reach!

Thirty seconds, twenty, ten, nine, eight…

3, 2, 1!

In unwillingness, despair, and lamentation, time expired as Asmodeus fought, mourned, and drowned in hopelessness.

[Ding~]

Richard, still dazed, caught the familiar chime. He released the gemstone spellcaster from his hold and feebly swung it skyward.

[New Era opens!]

A faint whisper followed, then glass-shatter echoes resounded for every sentient being.

All sensed subtle shifts in the world around them.

Richard at last relinquished Asmodeus's might.

A force rent his soul in that instant.

Dazed, he turned. A hazy scarlet silhouette rushed toward him ere darkness claimed his awareness.

Eyes shut, shadows engulfed him. The outer realm vanished from his senses.

Windsor shattered the dual force field at last. As Richard crumpled earthward, she enfolded him fiercely.

Gazing at the motionless form ahead, tears cascaded unchecked, her visage awash in boundless grief and remorse.

Like a forsaken child bereft of guardians, she wept openly.

Asmodeus witnessed it all, body rigid as timber. No triumph stirred within.

Dazed, he glanced back. Ninth Hell's seal over Solan City had shattered; it vanished traceless, bonds with him severed. Eons of dominion slipped away now.

His frame, drained from relentless exertion, abruptly lost soul sustenance. Knees buckled, pallor seized his face as he toppled prone.

The Ninth Hell Lord cut a wretched figure.

Watching Windsor wail in anguish over the still form, he lifted his gaze and unleashed a feeble sigh mingled with a howl.

Never had he imagined the Grace Mainland Overlord could vanquish him!

******

Richard's collapse brought no grand alterations to world laws.

A monumental shift engulfed the world, originating from Solan City, with the Desert of Death bearing the brunt. Once a lifeless forbidden zone, it now embraced fresh vitality.

Boundless greenery surged across the expansive yellow sands. Grass thrust forth with fierce vigor, verdant trees exploded into growth, winding streams meandered, and lakes shimmered with ripples.

From the heavens, lush vegetation veiled the yellow sands completely. The transformation occurred in the swiftest instant, like a mere blink.

Miracles themselves transpired no differently.

Verdant forests and grasslands now cloaked the entire vast desert. No hint of bare yellow sand could be seen anywhere.