They could not move. They are chained in place. The Twelve Dukes and the Demon King tried to escape and destroy the thorns. But whenever they pierce the thorns and disintegrate them to pieces, two more thorns grow back and stab their skin.
They struggled for a few minutes. The more they are impaled and bled their lifeblood, the fiercer their expression and the more vigorous their strength becomes. Kyra can only stare at them with expressionless eyes. Her thoughts were unknown.
She occasionally glanced upwards, as if waiting for something. Verdant had an appalling inkling feeling but did not dare entertain the idea. It was only when the sky parted and a strange sight that hadn't been seen in the history of demon realm happened that Verdant stood stunned at the scene.
Don't tell him he was right?!
A strange streak of blue crossed the sky, splitting it into two. A hole of bright light pierced through the red clouds, shining down on Crimson's mutilated body. Kyra snap her fingers. Almost instantly, the surviving demons are pulled out of the scene. The captured Twelve Dukes and Demon King are included.
They all wear the same identical expression. They could not say anything, only staring at the hole in bright light with a slack, sometimes frozen expression.
"Our Prince...." Violet could not help but stutter, staring at the spot where Crimson was killed. A cloud of red smoke suddenly swirl and, a few minutes later, a human silhoutte emerge.
At the same time, they heard an ethereal voice that was devoid of emotion. Unlike the cold, ruthless voice of the Demon King expressing authority and suppression, this one seems more transcendental, making the demons feel ashamed at their measly existence.
"Congratulations for fulfilling the side task that came along with the main task, Champion of the Fairies. The Tower of Erase has seen your efforts and your efficiency in helping your co-champion ascend and claim his title. "
The Twelve Dukes and the Demon King are speechless. They suddenly remembered what happened to Kyra a few hours ago. That's right, she was killed. She was reduced to dust, not retaining any of her body parts, just like Crimson moments ago.
Does that mean to become an official champion, one must die with their body not intact in order to be revived and gain new profound strength from the tower? They were speechless. The Demon King's mind worked quickly. He immediately responded.
"You have our thanks." The Twelve Dukes looked at him strangely. Even if he still has that non-committal cold expression, they are sure he was saying those things while fighting off the conflicting emotions deep inside. They wanted to kill her just moments ago. So, switching from coming for her life to expressing gratitude is no easy task. Especially since Demons are known for their stubborn pride and refusal to submit to other races.
"As a token of our appreciation, we will let you have the Horn of Bael."
Hearing this, Kyra finally looked at the Demon King. One of the innate personalities of the demons is that they worship only those who are strong. The stronger the individual is, the more they revere that person.
Clearly, the Demon King and the Twelve Dukes have forgotten about the ordeal of having their armies annihilated in one clean swipe. They were angry because she killed the important heir to the throne. Now that they understand the reason behind her action, they get rid of the ill feelings and come to a tacit understanding that they must establish a good relationship with her.
Since, after all, champions are categorized as rulers under whom all seven races must bow down.
"If you further need our assistance, do not hesitate to tell us and we will provide it for you." The underlying respect that the Twelve Dukes have never heard from their King is hidden beneath the Demon King's stern gaze and icy cold tone.
No wonder he managed to reign for so long! Whatever the circumstances, he always adapts to the changes. In order to live happily, he must put the demon realm's honor ahead of his own.
Having a good relationship with the first champion is clearly the first step to gaining a harmonious life under the champion's reign.
Kyra studied him with expressionless eyes. After a few minutes, the ethereal voice spoke again.
"The revival process is completed. Crimson Silverdale, the current heir of the Demon King and the Tower's 2nd chosen Champion has been reborn."
As if on cue, the light that surrounded Crimson earlier is gone, replaced by the heavily densely packed red and black smoke surrounding Crimson's silhoutte. Then the voice sounded again,
"The Tower strongly encourage to have Crimson as Kyra's assistant in fulfilling the given task. Since Kyra assisted in awakening Crimson, please oversee his success by joining forces."
Kyra: ….....
Demon King: …......
Twelve Dukes: Was it just us, or did the atmosphere seem more lethal and chilling than usual? Are you sure we won't die if we stay on the 1st champion's side?
Demon King: I concur.
The cracked and deadly atmosphere is not actually their imagination. The thorns surrounding them actually thicken. Although the Twelve Dukes were happy since they were released, it did not remove their inkling fear of Kyra wiping them off the face of the demon realm.
Her eyes, which used to be expressionless, are now glinting with cold malice. Her fingers cracked, and the thorns that were idle suddenly attacked Crimson's silhouette. Dragging the distorted him to her feet.
When he finally came to sense what was going on, he looked around. Seeing Kyra's silent, infuriated expression, he suddenly struck a punch at her face. The impact was so loud, the Twelve Dukes could have sworn some of her bones were broken.
"GET THAT YOU FUCKIN' WENCH!" Crimson willfully screamed.
Kyra straightened up while her face was facing down. One of her hands covered the part of her bleeding nose. Crimson was tempted to strike again but found himself unable to move.