Vow of Gold

"The night is almost over." Hakm spoke confidently, his staff practically glued to Wulin's side as light escaped into his lord. It had been several hours since they met and though Hakm was quickly running out of soul power he hadn't ceased his healing. 

"Is that so." Laying down with his eyes closed tightly Wulin tried his best to ignore the pain ravaging his body. Even with Hakm's help he felt as though he was dying thousands of times over in the most gruesome way he could imagine. It felt as though his blood was boiling, insects devouring his very cells, and numerous other horrible pains.

"Yes. Most of the evil soul masters have died with only a few weak scragglers remaining. The Zodiacs should quickly deal with them so there is no need to worry." Comforting his god Hakm spoke softly, his internal worries growing by the second as even the resistant Wulin couldn't help but tremble in pain.

It was rather lucky that the Zodiacs were nearby as their presence reassured Wulin immensely and lessened his punishment. If they weren't ready and waiting for his call, he may have strained himself to end the battle himself.

However, their loyalty demanded at least that much of them. While much of FUG could be considered crazy people who only held their own loyalty in mind the Zodiacs and Slayers would never even think of betraying Luslec. At least, that was until today.

The odd man who their god had brought in was set to become a slayer just as Hakm was and yet he wanted nothing more than to kill Luslec. It was a foolish notion that not even a dog would believe but it was what the man wanted. 

"I see." Far from comforted by the Fourth Slayer's words Wulin shakily rose, bedding falling at his side as he gazed out the window. It was small, minute even, but there was a vaguely divine presence watching them.

It grew ever closer, its body spiritual in nature, and yet Wulin could do nothing to stop it. As he was now, he couldn't even dream of entering his |Level 2| let alone |Level 3| as this monstrosity required. Worse still, it seemed only he could sense the being.

Even with the smallest trace of divinity in it nobody but those who have touched divinity could dream of sensing it. It was in the space between higher and lower existence, an anomaly that rightfully shouldn't exist in this realm. It was akin to a successor of godhood.

"My god?" Swiftly following after Wulin, Hakm couldn't sense anything that would worry Wulin let alone to the extent of forcing himself out of bed. He couldn't sense anything and yet he knew something was wrong when the lights began to flicker.

This hotel was one of the many buildings owned by FUG and it had been fortified immensely by Seto in preparation for Wulin's arrival so things such as the lights flickering were ominous. That feeling only became clearer in Hakm's mind when the window shattered.

"Are you the Empress?" Gazing into empty space Wulin's words were cold and empty as always, his crimson eyes impassive as though his very existence wasn't being torn at the seams. The lady floating in front of him required at least that much caution.

Gritting her teeth endlessly the woman pointed a finger at Wulin, dark energy gathering around the delicate digit. At his current |Level| Wulin wouldn't be able to dodge nor would he be able to enter any level higher. He was destined to die here it seems.

"So you'll intervene then." Scoffing at the absurdity of the man's loyalty, Wulin did nothing when the roof above him crumbled and a large black dragon with strikingly gold eyes descended from the heavens directly atop him.

"I still do not believe in you. However, we have decided to follow our Queen's wishes." Clicking his tongue in annoyance the dragon's deep voice slowly changed as a tall man with black and gold hair replaced the black dragon.

"Di Tian!" Spitting out the name hatefully the floating woman spoke for the first time, her voice every bit as hateful as nails on a chalkboard. It was as though her voice contained every element to be hated in this world.

"Don't say my name without permission." A nine colored glow surrounded Di Tian's fist, the aura of the Dragon God spreading throughout the city as Di Tian calmly swung his arm. As Wulin expected, the Beast God could easily handle a fragment of a nearly divine being.

"It seems you are loyal after all." Calmly gazing at the rainbow glow that cleaved the heavens and cut through the pale blue line in the sky Wulin looked at the Beast God apathetically. He was saved by the dragon but Gu Yuena had explained numerous times that he wasn't somebody Wulin could trust.

"It insults me to think you ever doubted that." Chuckling softly at the absurdity of it all, Di Tian could hardly believe how he had gotten to this moment. For months upon months, he had wished for the Silver Dragon King to devour the boy in front of him and yet he still went out of his way to save the boy.

"Why are you here, Di Tian?" Coldly dismissing all pleasantries Wulin gazed into the man's eyes without fear. He could sense Gu Yuena approaching quickly but it was doubtful she'd arrive in time to assist him with Di Tian blocking off all spatial travel. He was alone once more. He felt like Xu Xiaoyan had a good phrase for times like these… ah, yes. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

"My allegiance falls with the Silver Dragon King. She has protected us for thousands of years while your predecessor ignored us to run wild in the divine realm. None of us hold a shred of respect for the Lone King." Suddenly speaking the obvious Wulin didn't blame them in the slightest for their allegiance.

Between a wise ruler beside you and a crazed tyrant far away, it was clear which was more deserving of loyalty. And from the sounds of things, Wulin didn't want their loyalty. They were much too willing to go against Gu Yuena's wishes for his liking.

"But you are not the Lone King." Glancing at Hakm, Di Tian could hardly believe that the Golden Dragon King had gotten such a loyal subordinate let alone so many. "Our King has pleaded for our understanding and we acceded to her will. As long as you remain at her side, so shall we stand by yours."

Truthfully, Wulin was quite surprised by the willingness of the Great Beasts to align themselves with him. However, it was far from a bad decision on their part. FUG was quickly growing to equal the Four Great Powers and the allegiance of the Spirit Beasts would only make it easier to do so. With FUG's help, the Spirit Beasts could fight back as well.

"As long as you do not betray her trust, we will be your allies." Leaving those words hanging in the air, Di Tian's body morphed once more. Large golden eyes stare at him, the fangs of the Beast God pointed at him in warning. "But should you betray her, I will be the first to rebel."

"If I betray her, I'll gladly offer you my head." Ignoring Hakm's concern Wulin made no hesitation in that vow. Wulin had no intention of betraying the woman who showed him how vibrant life could be. Just as she would remain at his side, so would he. They were part of one whole, a pair that would never betray the other.

If such an event occurred, Wulin would give Di Tian his head without fear.

****

Hey there, hope you liked the chapter.

Di Tian... isn't betraying his king? What world are we on? With that, FUG and the Spirit Beasts are allied and the Empress was repelled. As for why the Empress was here... well think about who Wulin's dad is.

If you want more chapters, head to patre*on.com/TrapOverlord for up to 25 extra chapters. It isn't required but it'd be much appreciated.