The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2442 The Crimson Exarch's invitation

Previously on The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order...

Anark, Warmaster of the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance, gazed upon the fortified Traitor Empyrean Worlds and the impenetrable World of the Root, his immense power restrained by the need to protect his allies rather than charge alone. A sudden orange wave emanated from the Root, passing harmlessly through him and the alliance's worlds, yet it silenced the universe's vital Will, removing all suppressions on invading forces. Billions of monsters poured forth under Robuke's lead, advancing unchecked toward the Empyrean Worlds as Anark roared a call to arms. Beyond the fray, Adam of the Tenth Empyrean World laughed in triumph at this unforeseen vulnerability, signaling his forces to prepare their return.

While the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe confronted its most devastating crisis since the Great War from billions of years past, the Crimson World

enjoyed an unusual stretch of tranquility.

Following the incidents at Origin Island, the Freedom Path endured loss upon loss throughout the nine realms of the Tower. The Ancient One got severely wounded in his clash with the Scarlet King and had no choice but to withdraw to his bastion in the Ninth Layer. Without their top leader out in the open, the Freedom Path lacked anyone strong enough to challenge the Demon King head-on.

And the Demon King wasted no time.

He pushed forward without pause across various battlefields, demolishing every defensive barrier and breaking down all opposition the Freedom Path attempted to muster. Leading his troops, the Life Path's forces grew at a pace never seen before.

One realm after another surrendered.

Any Prima Deity, ArchDeity, or Alpha-Omega Overgod bold enough to fight against the Life Path met their end. Their corpses were collected, their essences purified, and their strength transformed into resources for the expanding machinery of war.

The Demon King felt pure exhilaration.

Their progress outstripped even what he had foreseen. The Life Path's standards flew high over the Crimson World as vast lands got incorporated into their control.

The sole concern weighing on him was the Ancient One's citadel.

For all his might, the Demon King couldn't breach that fortress without taking heavy casualties. The safeguards around the Ancient One and his Neo-Angels proved far too robust.

Yet, he remained unconcerned.

With the Life Path holding sway over the Nine Realms of the Crimson World, their power kept surging upward. In contrast, the Ancient One and his Neo-Angels stayed confined in their shelter, gradually losing vitality as their sway and supplies dwindled.

And should they ever venture forth—

The Demon King would wipe them out completely.

The True Depravitas loyal to him savored the richest spoils of their lives. The immense riches and artifacts formerly owned by the Neo-Angels now filled their coffers. Of even greater worth were the forsaken Divine Kingdoms. The Life Path's armies siphoned every bit of energy from those domains, channeling it to bolster their own territories.

For the majority, this era brought joyous festivities.

However, one True Depravita among them didn't join in the revelry.

Meylin lingered quietly on a balcony, her face grave as she gazed at the far-off castle housing Cain's form.

Years had slipped by since Cain's True Name and awareness departed for the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe. She had grown used to his lack. Their journeys had parted ways in the past, yet he always came back more formidable than before.

But now... a sense of something amiss gnawed at her.

A subtle disquiet hung heavy in her chest.

"Where are you?" she murmured.

Scarce moments after the words escaped her, a golden apparition started to take shape in front of her.

Initially, delight lit up Meylin's features. The recognizable white locks and shining gaze made her pulse race.

"Cain?"

Yet as the shape sharpened, her look turned rigid in an instant.

Chill and murderous urge flooded her stare while the blades Hell and Abyss materialized in her grip.

"You."

The golden apparition grinned steadily, ignoring the arms aimed his way.

"Hello, sister-in-law."

The form belonged to no other than the Crimson Exarch—the one who had passed through the Eternity Gate.

Meylin's eyes stayed frosty.

Even though the Crimson Exarch's actions had sparked Cain's awakening of his evolution and victory over the Ancient One, she harbored no faith in him. His actions swung wildly without pattern. At times he battled alongside Cain, at others he plunged a blade into his chest.

"What do you want?" she demanded icily.

She held back from striking.

In the years since, Meylin's abilities had soared dramatically from the flood of supplies directed her way and Cain's. Still,

she lacked assurance in confronting this beast.

The Crimson Exarch's grin grew a touch broader.

"I've arrived with tidings, sister-in-law. While within the Red Sun, I advanced and attained the pinnacle realm of Flow. Now my thoughts can span across universes."

He paused briefly to let her absorb his statement before his face

grew grave.

"It appears my brother has suffered a loss. His soul has vanished from

the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe."

Meylin's eyes grew wide.

For an instant, her pulse halted.

She longed to refute it, to dismiss his claim entirely—but inwardly,

she sensed the veracity in his words.

"Is Cain... dead?"

Her tone quivered as terror engulfed her being.

Luckily, the Crimson Exarch denied it at once with a shake of his head.

"No. Were he gone, I'd sense it. Our existences link too profoundly. What I've discerned is this—his Primordial Essence and awareness dwell neither in the Crimson World nor the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe."

Ease washed over Meylin in a rush, almost toppling her. Shivers ran through her frame as the strain accumulated over years

at last eased.

But that ease soon shifted to bewilderment.

"If he's absent from the Crimson World and the Nine Empyrean Suns

Universe... then where could he be?"

The Crimson Exarch gave a casual shrug, a subtle grin playing on his lips.

"Who can say?"

Annoyance flickered in Meylin's eyes.

Yet before she could reply, his demeanor sobered once more.

"What I can share is this—the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe faces

imminent peril. Dire peril."

Meylin's chest constricted.

"I'm sure my brother exerts all efforts to make his way back," the Crimson Exarch went on. "But given the pace now, when he does return... only ruins and the fallen might greet

him."

Her gaze expanded anew.

Though her stay in that universe had been short, she had forged bonds

with many there. Comrades. Companions. Fighters who had stood with them in battle.

Folks she held dear.

Meylin drew in a steadying breath, reining in her feelings.

"Why reveal this to me?" she queried warily.

She understood the Crimson Exarch never acted without intent.

A gleaming smile crossed his spectral visage as he reached out

his hand to her.

"I possess the ability to journey to the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe," he stated evenly. "And I can bring along one companion."

His gaze fixed on hers. "Will you join me?"