The Conquerors Path Chapter 975 - 973-Total Defeat.

To put it mildly, the entire situation was absolute chaos. On a larger scale, the most effective strategy would be to manipulate this disorder to my advantage. Adopting the path of presenting Draxton in this state—battered and degraded—would undoubtedly trigger complications for me. It would surely result in setbacks and a decline in morale across the entire tower. Nevertheless, it was a burden I had to shoulder to pave the way for a superior future.

Beneath my mask, I was genuinely irritated. Perhaps I had become complacent, falling into the trap of believing that things would perpetually go my way simply because I held so much influence over this world. Yet, it appears that when destiny intends to ruin you, it will find a method to do so, regardless of how capable you believe yourself to be.

"Now, we have witnessed the truth that nothing is amiss. And I, Austin Lionheart, as a descendant of the protector, have upheld my word. Furthermore..."

As my sentence trailed off, a brilliant radiance erupted from my depths, momentarily blinding everyone present. In its wake, a magnificent, breathtaking bow materialized, causing the very space around me to ripple. It was a weapon that seemed to transcend the holy and the chaotic, shining with a devastating beauty. The bow appeared to exist beyond the fundamental understanding of this entire realm.

The bow glowed with a stunning intensity, radiating a deep, majestic blue. Moments later, an explosion of power surged from within me. This blue Qi, which seemed to combat all forms of corruption, vanished into a different state of existence. It felt primal and comforting, akin to the absolute trust and joy one feels when sitting beside someone they rely on completely.

It was a sensation of pure love and belonging, like returning to a mother’s embrace during childhood. This aura swirled around me, merging into my form from the bow I had manifested. I then released it, allowing the power to expand far beyond my position. It surged outward, blanketing a massive section of the city and reaching several vital organizations.

This aura filled every heart with a sense of being blessed and loved, creating a profound connection. However, that feeling was accompanied by a transformative shift. While Draxton remained unaffected beside me, others scattered throughout various locations began to shudder and convulse. Soon, the telltale red aura of corruption began to seep out of them.

Bystanders who had been ready to assist suddenly recoiled, their eyes filled with terror. Friends who believed their bonds were strong felt the sting of betrayal. Anger began to boil over. In an instant, numerous hidden corrupted individuals across the area started to tremble and break down as the effects took hold both internally and externally.

The transition was immediate, and mayhem ensued. It wasn't limited to their bodies; my aura forced the hidden, repulsive red energy to manifest around a few guards from the war council who had arrived to pressure the Archery Association. The same phenomenon occurred within other high-profile locations. Long-standing officials who had held power for ages fell like rotting pieces of corruption.

The situation was dire. Truly dire.

Utilizing my aura and the power at my disposal, I pinned them down. They were rendered immobile, frozen in place as they shrieked and sobbed in agony. I directed a smile toward the elf standing before me, whose face had drained of all color. Reaching out, my right hand gripped the bow, and I felt its immense power surging through my veins.

Drawing upon years of refined technique and experience, I assumed a practiced stance, aiming the weapon toward the heavens as I pulled back the string. The mere act of drawing the bow caused the spatial fabric around me to warp and crack. A grinding sound, like heavy metal being forced to bend, echoed through the air. With a smirk, I spoke.

"It is time for a lesson."

With those words, I released the tension. A colossal arrow shot from the bow, and within a heartbeat, it fragmented so many times that it surpassed my direct control. The shards tore through spatial rifts and vanished. Over a hundred arrows were birthed from that single shot, splitting the void and disappearing from sight.

Their destination? The other branches of the Archery Association currently under siege.

"Consider this a consequence for acting without weighing the full magnitude of your choices," I stated, addressing the trembling, pale elf. They had been attempting to tear open a wound in my territory, my home. In response, I had reached deep and ripped open a scar within the war council itself. It might have been overlooked if it were anyone else, but I had publicly exposed the corruption lurking within the war council for the whole world to see. Their justifications were now in tatters.

Reflecting on the move, I drew the string once more. This time, a soft, azure arrow of light manifested. I fired it into the sky again, but this arrow dissolved into gentle clusters of blue light that rained down upon the fallen bodies scattered everywhere. Every affected member, whether on the street or hidden away in private chambers, was struck.

The soothing blue light descended like a divine blessing. Their cries ceased as the radiance enveloped them, acting as a balm. The blue power clashed with the red corruption, systematically dismantling it.

This conflict soon reignited their screams. As the red and blue energies battled for dominance, I coughed up a spray of blood. Crimson trailed from my nose and began to stream from my eyes as well.

As I processed the strain...

"Austin!"

Eleanor’s voice pierced the air as she blurred to my side, catching me before I collapsed. She gripped me firmly as I stumbled. My feet dragged on the ground, and I looked completely drained. My aura was flickering wildly, as if the strain of the feat was too much to bear. Finally, with a soft pulse, everyone touched by the blue light fell into unconsciousness.

"Cough... Cough!"

I spat out more blood. The bow dissolved, returning to my body as I covered my mouth, hacking violently.

"Austin! Breathe! Just breathe!" Eleanor cried out in panic, rubbing my back to soothe me. After a few tense seconds, my coughing subsided. My eyes were bloodshot and my face was smeared with red. Even though I still emanated the lingering pressure of a dragon, I appeared fragile. Leaning on Eleanor for support, I wiped the blood away and let my voice carry.

"I couldn't entirely sever the link to the corruption, but its hold has been weakened. With further care and treatment, they should recover."

I spoke with warmth and a sense of duty. Ultimately, I had positioned myself as the hero. I leaned into Eleanor, who was frantically cleaning my face with a look of pure distress. I maintained a smile, whispering softly into her ear as I rested against her.

"You see? I kept my word. I protected you."

My whisper caused Eleanor to freeze. Her frame trembled, and she found herself completely at a loss for words.

"You... you..." was all she could manage while holding me tightly.

While we were occupied with each other, the rest of the city was descending into a fresh wave of turmoil. The sheer scale of what had transpired left everyone in shock, to say nothing of the revelations I had forced into the light. I had executed the plan flawlessly. Now, they would have no grounds to interfere—they were just as compromised as everyone else!

I could sense the shock rippling through the crowds. Some were attempting to suppress the news in areas that weren't as visible, but it was a futile effort. My strike wasn't merely a rescue mission; it was designed to expose the rot hidden within the most powerful factions. To the common people, it looked like a heroic save. To the elite, it was a glaring indictment showing that corruption had infiltrated their ranks too.

Still leaning on Eleanor, I caught the expression on the lead elf's face. He was utterly stunned. No matter how clever he thought he was, he never could have anticipated this outcome. It was beyond his wildest imagination. I had dragged the world's greatest secret into the public square.

However, age brings a certain level of wisdom and clarity. The elf’s shocked look slowly faded into an expression of resignation and understanding. He scanned the area with a sorrowful gaze, noting the seeds of distrust growing among his own people as they realized their comrades were infected.

Finally, his eyes met mine. He spoke in a barely audible whisper.

"It is a total defeat. Well played. Well played indeed..."