THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The crimson sky of Number 4's realm churned with a chaotic energy, the suspended great swords shimmering as they began to shift. In an instant, the swords broke from their static positions and spun into formation, layering themselves into concentric circles.

They rotated with incredible speed, a fortress of razor-sharp steel forming a barrier between Number 4 and the descending shadow.

Above, David's colossal shadow drill plummeted from the heavens like divine judgment. It spun with an eerie whine, tearing through the realm's oppressive air, its dark energy radiating an overwhelming pressure. The first impact was thunderous, a collision of raw power that sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

The outermost layer of Number 4's sword shield shattered almost instantly, blades spiraling into the desert sands below. Number 4's crimson eyes narrowed as he raised his arms, summoning a surge of corrupt mana. His eyes darkened, the crimson turning pitch black as veins of chaotic energy traced up his arms.

As the shadow drilled into the second layer of his defenses, Number 4 gritted his teeth, shouting defiantly. "I WILL NOT FALL!" His hands pushed against the encroaching force, the swirling energy of his aura mingling with the corrupt mana that pulsated violently.

The second layer of swords crumbled under the pressure, but the shadow's momentum slowed significantly, grinding forward with relentless determination.

With a roar, Number 4 threw his hand to the side. His original great sword, lying dormant in the distance, surged toward him, cutting through the air like a missile. It landed in his grasp with a resounding clang. The blade, now infused with a chaotic blend of his aura and corrupt mana, pulsed with volatile energy.

The two forces collided again as Number 4 swung his great sword upward, shouting with primal intensity, "[King's Destruction: Chaotic Rampage]!" A massive burst of chaotic energy erupted from the claymore, arcing forward like an unstoppable tidal wave. It cleaved through David's shadow drill, scattering the darkness in all directions and sending shockwaves that obliterated nearby dunes.

As the shadows dissipated, the Monarch of Light was revealed, standing calm but exposed in the wake of the destroyed attack.

"[Celestial Wheel]"

Number 4 wasted no time, accelerating with blinding speed. His jagged claymore thrust forward, piercing through the Sovereign Armor and driving into David's chest. The impact sent cracks through the air, the battlefield trembling from the sheer force.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, DAVID?" Luna's voice screamed within his mind, her tone frantic and sharp with urgency.

David, however, remained silent, his expression calm and unwavering.

Number 4 gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his hand snapping out to grab David by the neck. With one motion, he hoisted the Monarch of Light into the air. "Let's see how long you can shine when I crush you with my hands," he growled, his voice heavy with triumph.

But as his grip tightened, the shadows that clung to David's mask dissolved into wisps of smoke, fading into nothingness. His white hair spilled over his shoulders, shining like moonlight against the crimson backdrop of the sky.

Number 4's crimson eyes, still blazing behind his blue jagged mask, widened in shock. His grip faltered slightly as a rumbling chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, well," he said, his tone shifting to one of amused astonishment. "This is a nice surprise." His voice dropped, almost savoring the moment. "David De Gor... so it's you."

The jagged mask of Number 4 tilted, his crimson eyes blazing with an unsettling mixture of amusement and malice as David, still impaled on his blade, coughed blood. "How do you know me?" David asked, his voice hoarse but calm, his body trembling under the strain.

Number 4 let out a booming laugh, his grip tightening on the hilt of the blade lodged in David's chest. "How does one know a dead man?" he mocked, his laughter echoing through the desolate realm. Twisting the blade cruelly, he watched as David winced, fresh blood staining the sand beneath. "But no matter. Number 1 will be elated to know I've destroyed a Nexus of this world, ushering the Cataclysm Cascade into motion."

A cold shimmer flashed before David's eyes, and the system screen materialized:

[WARNING: Critical Conditions Detected. Immediate action required.]

David sighed, his lips curving into a deranged smile that sent a chill through Number 4. "I wanted to get more out of you," David muttered, his bloodied face lifting to meet Number 4's now-wary gaze. The air grew still, the faint sounds of clashing steel and the hum of corrupt mana fading.

Number 4's instincts screamed at him. Run. Flee. Escape.

But it was too late.

David's eyes flared into a deep, unnerving red, with shadows swirling violently at their center.

[Eyes of Veilborn Dissonance: Eye of Dread]

Number 4's body froze, his mind plunging into a trance as he stared, helpless, into the abyss within David's gaze.

Suddenly, the crimson sky filled with monstrous crimson eyes, all glaring downward at Number 4. Ghostly wails erupted from nowhere, assailing his ears.

"King Gilgamesh, save us!"

"Our King! Why did you abandon us?"

"Why? Why?!" .........

"Die traitor!"

Number 4 staggered, his breaths ragged as the haunting cries bore into him. "This... this is an illusion," he gasped, clutching his head, willing himself to fight it. "I am not their king anymore!" But his denial was shattered by a searing pain erupting from his neck.

David, his movements swift and precise, had plunged Frostfang, his cursed dagger, into Number 4's neck. The blade gleamed with chilling frost as the skill "[Death Reversal]" activated. A crimson mark bloomed on Number 4's neck, glowing ominously. His eyes widened in shock as he roared, throwing David away with a desperate burst of energy.

But the damage had been done. Number 4 collapsed to his knees, his screams tearing through the air as something deep within him was forcibly ripped away. His essence itself was unraveling, leaving him hollow and broken.

David stood, his breathing labored. His body glowed faintly as the hole in his chest began to close, his "[Aurumaris Empyreal Core]" activating. Muscles knit themselves together, and blood retreated back into his veins, leaving him whole once more.

As he approached the fallen Number 4, David reached down and ripped the mask away. Beneath it, Number 4's face was revealed—crimson eyes now streaming with blood, golden hair flowing behind him like a tarnished crown. His cheeks hollowed as the life drained from him, the frost spreading from the cursed wound.

David's brow furrowed in mild confusion as he studied the dying man. "I don't know you," he muttered, almost to himself. "Not even from the novel."

The sky above began to crack, fractures spreading like glass under pressure. Number 4's realm was collapsing, the crimson horizon splintering into shards of light and shadow.

David turned his attention inward. "Luna," he said, his tone steady despite the chaos around him, "get ready. There are still two more left."

The system screen appeared before him again:

[Congratulations: You have defeated an Emissary of Chaos.]

[Eternal Gluttony]

[ You have devoured a skill: [King's Command]]

Luna's voice rang in his mind, sharp with exasperation. "David, you idiot! Don't ever do something so reckless again!"

A faint smile crossed David's lips as he recalled his plan. He had deliberately used Nightveil Embrace to create a gap in his chest, making himself a vulnerable target and luring Number 4 into his snare. Yet, it wasn't just reckless bravery—it was the precise timing granted by "[Celestial Wheel]" that allowed him to anticipate every move.

As the remnants of the realm dissolved, David's focus shifted forward. Shadows swirled ominously as he prepared for the next fight, his expression calm yet determined. "Let's see what's next," he muttered.

****

A/N: Hey everyone! A big thank you to Castle Gate for joining my Patreon community—I really appreciate the support! I'm also considering writing glimpses of the past from the novel to entice you to check out my Patreon. Truth be told, I'm really eager to get that art cover and some character sheets done, haha. Happy reading, everyone!