Chapter 1042: Black Rock Region
The Black Rock Region was more crowded than anyone had ever seen it before. Tens of thousands had gathered, and the tension that usually filled the air whenever humans and demons stood in the same place was strangely absent.
For the first time in weeks, the ceaseless bloodshed between the two races had paused. The endless skirmishes that had plagued the land seemed to vanish, replaced by an eerie and fragile peace that extended across the entire region.
The contrast was startling. On one side of the battlefield, stretching as far as the eye could see, stood hundreds of thousands of demons. Their appearances were grotesque and varied, but they shared common traits. Their skin was colored in shades of black, red, and deep green, each hue darker than the last, and every one of them bore horns on their heads that twisted upward like crowns of bone.
Their eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, and their bodies radiated killing intent that could suffocate the unprepared. Yet despite their ferocity, none of them moved to attack. Their attention was fixed forward, waiting for what was about to come.
On the opposite side of the field, the human race had gathered in equal number. They stood shoulder to shoulder, members of great guilds, soldiers of 1st class forces, and free experts who had rushed here from all corners of the Middle Domain.
Their robes and armor reflected a spectrum of colors, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight, and their faces carried expressions that ranged from excitement to fear. They had come for one reason alone, to witness the battle that would decide the morale of their race.
Separating the two armies was a massive battle arena. It was newly constructed, the stonework still sharp and unweathered, and its scale was breathtaking. It had been built not just for combat but for spectacle. Its center stretched wide enough to contain titans, and runes were carved across its surface to reinforce the ground, ensuring it would not collapse under the weight of powers about to be unleashed.
At this very moment, several figures already stood within the arena. On the human side, the leader of the Phoenix God Nation, Grandmaster Aden, stood tall at the front, his long crimson hair flowing like a banner of fire. His aura radiated strength and calm authority, a pillar for all humans who had gathered to watch.
Flanking him were five of the leaders from the Seven Overlord Forces, each exuding the power and bearing of men and women accustomed to command. President William stood among them, his expression solemn, the weight of his gamble heavy on his shoulders.
Beside him, cloaked in an air of mystery, was the leader of the Obsidian Order, his face concealed behind a tiger mask. None could read his intentions, but all recognized the significance of his presence.
Facing them across the arena were the demons. Their side was led by a towering red-skinned figure whose body was built like a mountain. His presence alone bent the air around him with oppressive pressure.
This was Varian, a commander among the demons, and his gaze carried unshakable confidence as he stared at the humans without fear. Behind him stood many powerful demons, their auras sharp and menacing.
Among them was one face that drew whispers from the human crowd, Demon Master Bellion, the very demon who had once escaped from President William’s hands. His lips curled into a mocking smile as his crimson eyes swept across the arena, lingering momentarily on William as if to remind him of that humiliation.
The air inside the Black Rock Region grew heavier with each passing breath. Two armies stood watching, leaders of both sides present, and in the center lay the stage where one man and two demons would decide the course of hope and despair.
"Aden, I should remind you that this is going to be a life and death battle between the two parties. Only by killing the other will the other achieve victory," Varian sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. There was not a shred of belief in his eyes that Max could kill the twin demons.
To him, the outcome was already decided. Max would not only be fighting a battle against two opponents instead of one, but his cultivation realm was also far too low. The boy was still at the first level of the Legend Rank, while the twin demons stood proudly at the very peak of the Mythic Rank. The gap was so wide that in Varian’s eyes it could never be crossed.
"I would not like it otherwise," Aden replied with a calm nod. His expression was steady, his crimson hair catching the sunlight. He understood Max better than most of the leaders standing there.
The current Max would never accept anything short of slaughter. He did not want a duel that ended in surrender or a simple retreat. He would only be satisfied when the twin demons lay dead before him. Aden knew the killing was inevitable, and he accepted it. This was war, and in war death was not an exception but a certainty that came for both sides.
Varian glanced around the arena, his massive form casting a long shadow. "So, where is he?" he asked with a sneer. "I am not seeing Max anywhere." His eyes scanned the horizon, his voice mocking and disdainful.
"He will be here any minute," Aden answered calmly, without the slightest hint of doubt in his tone.
"I hope he comes. And I hope he does not hide in fear."
Before Aden could respond, a loud and arrogant voice rang out across the arena, filled with mockery that made the air itself tremble. Every head turned toward the source.
From the demon side, a young figure strolled into the battle arena, his steps deliberate and filled with conceit. His presence alone made the air grow heavy, and the demons standing behind Varian bowed their heads in acknowledgment as he passed.
The humans on the other side instantly recognized him, and a wave of solemnity spread across their faces. The leaders of the human race grew particularly grim as their eyes fell upon the newcomer.