When the sun gradually disappeared between the mountains, the entire plain was dyed with a layer of red glow.

This red was different from the ephemeral nature of life, appearing pure and clear.

At times like these, Ersruk always liked to stay in high places, feeling the distance between himself and the sky.

Although it could fly higher, the disturbance of magic would not only break the tranquility, but the unreachable dome would also deepen the sense of distance.

On the contrary, during quiet meditation, the golden clouds and the reddish-purple sky seemed to be only a step away from it.

Such experiences were not common.

Most of the time, the head was covered by drifting life moths. Although being among them made Ersruk feel comfortable, it also separated it from the sky with a thick veil.

It was probably one of the few individuals in the tribe who didn't like to stay in the Tower of Genesis.

However, Ersruk didn't think of itself as an oddity.

It just felt that others were more eager to embrace the source of magic.

Indeed, that source came from the sky.

Humans called it the Red Moon, which was quite fitting.

According to legend, after obtaining all the inheritance, the tribe would usher in the final sublimation - a channel would open between heaven and earth, accepting them into the sky.

Undoubtedly, that was a broader place than the current world.

Perhaps it was also the residence of the gods.

At that time, they would be a hundred times stronger than they were now, and their bodies would become immortal due to the surging magic.

Ersruk didn't fully believe in this rumor that had been circulating for generations.

It had also tried to fly to the deep sky with its own power.

Unfortunately, without being able to replenish life moths, it found that after rising to a certain height, there would be various obstacles - such as a sharp drop in temperature, armor freezing, poor blood flow, difficulty breathing, and so on. If it used magic to resist the discomfort, the breathing tank it carried would soon be exhausted.

The highest it ever flew almost cost it its life.

But it was precisely that attempt that deepened its desire for the sky.

Because in the purple-black sky, it did see something, but after thinking about it later, it was difficult to describe in words.

If it had to say, it was probably like a flash of scales.

This also meant that the rumors were not without basis.

Moreover, it also heard a faint call at that time.

Like a whisper, yet also like a low murmur echoing directly in its mind.

Ersruk knew that it was a sign that the realm of consciousness was approaching it.

Unfortunately, it was always just a little short of reaching a higher level.

Those who could actively open the gate between the two realms could be called Archdukes.

As it closed its eyes to feel the warmth of the afterglow and the evening breeze blowing on its face, footsteps came from behind.

"Lord Ersruk, all preparations have been completed."

The reporter was its neophyte guard.

"Very good." Ersruk said without turning its head, "Continue to maintain surveillance next."

"Yes." The guard responded and did not leave immediately, but hesitated and said, "But will those bugs really act according to our plan? They should already have a full understanding of your abilities... We have paid a considerable price to set up the trap, if the Lord of the Firmament knew..."

"Well, what you said is not without reason, but I think it's worth it." Ersruk opened its eyes and looked south - now standing on the "Horns", it could vaguely see the black trace. In six months of probing, many progenitors died in front of the human阵地, but it never shook the opponent's advance. That trace was like a root, growing slowly but tenaciously.

This was the first time in its memory that humans were able to confront each other head-on without relying on city walls.

Although this method was ridiculously clumsy, if it were placed in the life moth covered area, it would have countless ways to make the opponent pay a heavy price, but it was unexpectedly difficult to gnaw in this vast plain. The limited number of troops at hand was certainly a major reason, but even if the Archduke mobilized more troops for it, dealing with humans who had completely gained a firm foothold would inevitably suffer no small losses.

It must nip this emerging army in the bud.

"What do you think of the recent battles? Do you feel like you can't move an inch?"

The guard was silent for a moment, "That's because we are fighting with our backs to the river."

"No, it is the enemy that makes us fight with our backs to the river." Ersruk corrected, "We have also established outposts, trying to further expand the supply range of life moths, but it did not play the role it did four hundred years ago, only because humans now have the 'Tombstone' for longer-range strikes. Whether you regard the other party as bugs or not, you must admit this. Plus, our every move is under the observation of the witches, so we feel like we are running into walls everywhere."

It paused, stretched out its right hand towards the black trace, and clenched it into a fist little by little, "As long as we have not erected the Tower of Genesis, we cannot change this situation. Therefore, I want to destroy their eyes and cut off their arms before they realize it, so that they will never be able to repeat their old tricks - even at the cost of two 'Horns'!"

Between words, Ersruk showed a sinister smile, and surging magic spewed out, causing the surrounding air to tremble. It knew that someone was watching it in the camp at the end of the black trace. This move must have alarmed the humans and thrown them into chaos.

"I vow to follow you!" Feeling its surging power, the guard respectfully lowered his head.

There was one more thing Ersruk didn't say.

It felt that it was only a line away from the next breakthrough.

This war may be the opportunity.

After all, bloody battles have always been the most effective way to improve, even after becoming a king, it would not refuse such a challenge.

If it could cross that threshold and be promoted to a new Archduke, then no matter what the Lord of the Firmament thought, it would no longer be possible to haggle with it.

As for whether humans would act, Ersruk was not worried.

It had long understood the opponent's greed.

As long as the bait was rich enough, they would not let it go easily.

The sun finally completely fell below the mountains, the last bit of afterglow also dissipated, the sky was completely shrouded in night, and only faint starlight and darkness remained above.

This scene seemed to overlap with the scene when it sprinted towards the sky.

That day, it confirmed its desire.

And now, it was approaching that goal step by step.

What humans are thinking now... is probably the same as itself, right?

In this competition that determines fate, only the last standing victor is qualified to reach that unseen domain and touch the source of magic.

It was full of anticipation for the imminent final battle.

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A friend shared two pictures of Nightingale, which were amazing. Go and have a look quickly. Search the WeChat official account "Ermu Xiaoxiao" and check the historical messages to see it o(n_n)o.