Chapter 73
CRAAAAASH—
Black flames exploded violently across the sanctuary once again.
The Commander was thrown backward across the shattered stone floor.
THUD.
His sword barely remained in his grasp.
Blood dripped continuously from his body.
His armor had almost completely broken apart now.
One knee slammed against the ground as his breathing turned unstable.
Yet even then—
he still forced himself upward.
Far ahead—
the Lord slowly walked through the destruction calmly.
Crimson flames twisted around him like living shadows.
His expression remained composed.
But his eyes—
burned with fury.
Lord: "…Do you truly believe you can come here…"
Step.
"…Destroy everything…"
Step.
"…And still succeed while I stand here?"
The Commander tightened his shaking grip around the black sword.
His entire body trembled from exhaustion.
Commander: "…I will succeed."
The Lord stared at him silently for a moment.
Then—
he smiled faintly.
A cold smile.
Lord: "…I see."
Crimson flames flickered violently around the sanctuary.
Lord: "…You still haven't given up."
Far behind them—
the Princess and the others continued forcing their way toward the upper sanctuary halls beneath Vendetta's holy barrier.
Justice Worshippers fought desperately around them to keep a path open.
The Lord's eyes slowly moved toward the escaping group.
His calm expression darkened instantly.
The air itself became heavier.
Then—
his gaze returned toward the Commander.
Slowly—
the Lord raised one hand outward.
Lord: "…Sword of War."
BOOOOOOOM—
Dark purple flames erupted violently throughout the sanctuary.
The chamber trembled.
Even the hooded guards nearby stepped backward instinctively.
Then—
a massive sword slowly materialized inside the Lord's hand.
The blade looked enormous.
Ancient crimson symbols glowed across the dark metal while purple flames twisted around it endlessly.
The pressure alone cracked the floor beneath him.
Several Justice Worshippers froze in terror.
Lord: "…Let us see who wins."
Then—
without warning—
the Lord swung the massive sword downward.
From across the sanctuary.
CRAAAAAAAAASH—
A gigantic wave of crimson destruction tore violently through the chamber.
Vendetta's eyes widened instantly.
Vendetta: "…Barrier!"
FWOOOOOSH—
The holy barrier expanded desperately around the group.
Then—
BOOOOOOM—
The attack slammed directly into it.
Cracks exploded across the holy barrier instantly.
Several Justice Worshippers were thrown backward violently.
The barrier shattered apart into fragments of golden light.
And the Lord's attack—
landed directly in front of the Princess.
CRAAAAACK—
The sanctuary floor split apart violently.
Smoke and crimson flames rose between them.
Silence.
The Princess froze completely.
Her eyes widened slightly.
That attack—
had not been meant to kill her.
It had stopped just in front of her.
A warning.
Slowly—
the Princess closed her eyes.
Took a deep breath.
Then opened them again.
Calmly.
Princess: "…Marco."
Marco immediately turned toward her.
Princess: "…Take everyone out of this place."
Marco's eyes widened.
Marco: "…What?"
The Princess looked toward Vendetta briefly.
Princess: "…Vendetta. Lead them outside safely."
Another explosion shook the sanctuary.
Justice Worshippers continued dying across the battlefield while hooded guards endlessly flooded forward.
The Princess slowly looked back toward the Lord.
Princess: "…As long as I remain here…"
Her voice lowered slightly.
Princess: "…The Lord won't care who escapes."
Marco immediately shook his head.
Marco: "…No. Absolutely not."
Princess: "…Marco."
Marco tightened his fists angrily.
Marco: "…We're not leaving you behind."
Princess: "…That is an order."
Silence.
Even the nearby soldiers froze.
Vendetta suddenly stepped forward.
Her blue eyes remained completely firm.
Vendetta: "…I refuse."
The Princess looked toward her.
Vendetta tightened her grip around her glowing sword.
Vendetta: "…I came here for one purpose only."
Holy magic flickered violently around her blade.
Vendetta: "…To protect the Princess."
Nearby—
Justice Worshippers continued fighting desperately despite their injuries.
Several were already collapsing.
Yet none retreated.
Vendetta: "…That is why they are still fighting."
Chris slowly stepped beside the Princess.
Chris: "…Then we stay."
Guinevere silently moved beside them as well.
Her blade lowered slightly.
But her eyes remained focused on the battlefield.
The Princess stared at them briefly.
Then slowly lowered her head.
Meanwhile—
Marco stood silently for several seconds.
His fists remained clenched tightly.
Then finally—
he looked toward the soldiers behind him.
Marco: "…Everyone…"
His voice became quieter.
Marco: "…We move out."
Captain Bochy's expression hardened immediately.
But he understood.
The injured soldiers quickly regrouped behind Marco.
Esabell looked toward the Princess nervously.
Then toward Marco.
Marco avoided looking back again.
Marco: "…Move."
Under Marco's leadership—
the soldiers slowly began retreating toward the hidden escape route.
Far behind them—
the battlefield continued collapsing further into chaos.
And near the center of the shattered sanctuary—
the Commander could barely remain standing anymore.
Blood covered nearly his entire body now.
One arm hung uselessly at his side.
Even holding the black sword had become difficult.
Yet somehow—
he still stood before the Lord.
The Lord slowly approached him through the flames.
Calm.
Cold.
Almost disappointed.
Lord: "…I wanted you to feel pain."
Step.
Lord: "…So you could understand…"
Step.
Lord: "…How deeply your actions hurt me."
The Commander's vision had already begun blurring.
Still—
he forced himself to raise the black sword again.
The Lord stopped directly in front of him.
Purple flames twisted violently around the Sword of War.
Lord: "…But now…"
Slowly—
he raised the massive blade overhead.
Lord: "…It is time to end this."
The sanctuary trembled beneath the pressure.
And the Commander—
could no longer even lift his body properly to defend himself.
...CHAPTER 73 ENDS...