Chapter 45: Execution by the Governor’s Hand

"What an enchanting color!"

Marei gazed at the dazzling blue liquid inside the vial.

The liquid's hue shifted subtly, as if it pulsed with life.

He resisted the urge to experience its power firsthand and tore his gaze away.

For now, he couldn't return to the embrace of the All-Seeing Lord.

He had to remain alive to make even greater sacrifices for Him!

Marei pulled out a sharp dagger, turning to Arila:

"You should feel honored to be able to bear the power of the All-Seeing Lord. Your wretched life will be elevated!"

Seeing the blade in Marei's hand, Arila's pupils dilated in fear.

"Holy Emperor, what… what are you going to do to me?"

"Don't be afraid. It's simple.

I'm going to cut open your stomach and place this vial of great power inside…

On the day of the Emperor Ascension Festival, you will appear among the celebrating crowds.

In front of that false Emperor's statue, your womb will give birth to the offspring of the All-Seeing Lord!"

Marei rambled on, but Arila couldn't fully comprehend.

All she understood was that this terrifying cultist was going to cut open her belly!

Holy Emperor, am I going to die here?

Arila closed her eyes in despair, without even the desire to pray.

Her heart had already died.

Now she truly understood—no one cared whether a lowly worker like her lived or died.

Not the Holy Emperor, nor the governor.

Their gaze would never linger on someone as insignificant as her.

They didn't care!

Seeing Arila close her eyes without struggling, Marei lost the desire to speak further.

Forget it. These pitiful mortals can never comprehend true greatness.

He approached her, ready to slice open her stomach and insert the vial of Chaos Essence.

But just as he took a step, he hesitated.

Was that... footsteps?

In that moment of hesitation—Boom!

The metal door was struck from the outside, smashing inward and embedding itself into the wall!

Carter and two other Imperial Guards burst in, heading straight for Marei.

Marei reacted swiftly, even feeling a hint of exhilaration.

Finally, I can experience this great power myself!

Marei's right hand swelled as he grabbed the vial of Chaos Essence, plunging it toward his chest!

Thank you, All-Seeing Lord, for this generous gift! My life will be elevated!

He roared:

"Damn dogs!"

But then—Huh?

Marei froze as blood sprayed across his face.

Where's my hand?

His first thought was that he could no longer feel his hand, and then the excruciating pain hit him!

Ahh!

Just a moment ago, his arm holding the vial had been torn off!

Marei looked up at the two-meter-tall Imperial Guard Captain, Carter, who was holding his severed arm.

For the first time, Marei realized the terrifying power of the Imperial Guard.

"Catch!"

Carter ripped the vial from the severed arm and tossed it backward.

Another Guard behind him raised his hand and caught the vial of Chaos Essence, placing it into a specially designed containment unit on his belt, sealing it shut.

Once locked inside the containment unit, nothing short of a bomb could break it open without the proper code.

Now, all that was left was to deal with the cultist in front of them.

"Protect the lady!"

Carter issued another command. According to the governor's orders, they had to ensure the success of the mission while protecting every citizen.

As soon as Carter spoke, the Guard who had secured the vial turned and walked toward Arila, positioning his large frame between her and the danger.

Seeing the Imperial Guards before her, Arila was overwhelmed with relief.

She recognized the armored giants standing in front of her.

They were the governor's War Angels! (Not yet there)

Holy Emperor, the governor really sent people to save me!

The thought brought tears of joy to Arila's eyes, mixed with a twinge of regret.

She shouldn't have thought so poorly of the governor in the past!

"Ahhh!"

Marei's agonizing scream echoed.

While Arila was lost in her emotions, Carter grabbed Marei and threw him onto the spiked hooks hanging from the wall.

The very hooks Marei had used to torture those unfortunate women—now he was hung upon them himself.

"Heresy is forbidden in the Royal District! By the order of the governor, you are hereby sentenced to death!"

Rat-a-tat-tat!

Carter and another Imperial Guard raised their bolt guns and unleashed a barrage of fire, tearing Marei apart until he was nothing more than a ragged corpse.

Only his mangled neck connected to half of his head.

"Hahahaha!"

Marei's head suddenly jerked up, his gaze filled with contempt:

"You can't kill me. The ritual is complete!"

As soon as he spoke, the ritual circle in the room flared with eerie blue light.

The circle seemed to come alive, absorbing all the blood and flesh offered as sacrifices.

The collected matter flowed into Marei's body.

His shattered life force grew stronger, his body rapidly healing and swelling into a terrifying two-meter-tall monstrosity.

He howled, his hateful gaze fixed on everyone:

"The All-Seeing Lord has cast His gaze upon me and granted me power!

Ah, such incredible power!

You worthless insects, are you ready to die?"

Through a gap, Arila saw the horrifying monster that Marei had become.

Fear gripped her once again.

She wanted to run but felt a wave of security as she saw the large Imperial Guard standing protectively before her.

The Guards should be able to handle this monster, right?

Doubt flickered in Arila's mind, but she chose to believe.

The governor's angels wouldn't abandon her!

Marei stood tall, feeling invincible with the power gifted by the All-Seeing Lord!

He tore the hook from his back and casually grabbed two mangled corpses, stuffing them into his mouth to chew on.

Yet he still felt hunger!

Thud, thud, thud!

He dragged his blood-soaked body forward, his crimson eyes locked onto Carter and the others.

"Wretched insects, I will tear your flesh apart piece by piece and devour it!"

"Have you said enough?"

Carter's calm, steady voice cut through.

Hmm?

Marei was taken aback. "You worthless inse—"

Ugh—

Carter abruptly raised his hand, gripping Marei's jaw tightly and forcing him to kneel on the ground.

Marei tried to resist, but Carter's strength was overwhelming—he couldn't break free.

Then, with a surge of force, Carter rammed his fist into Marei's mouth, driving it deep into his stomach.

Carter swiftly withdrew his hand.

Ugh, ugh—

Marei's face twisted in agony as he glared at Carter with hatred, but then he froze.

He noticed the grenade pin in Carter's hand.

Something's inside my stomach!

Just moments ago, Carter had shoved several stun grenades into the cultist's stomach.

"Shields!"

Carter casually tossed aside the grenade pins and issued his order.

Two Imperial Guards quickly deployed their shields, one covering Carter and the other shielding Arila, blocking all possible angles.

"Damn it…"

Marei desperately clawed at his stomach, but it was too late.

Click—

Boom!!!

The grenades inside Marei's stomach exploded, blowing him apart into chunks of flesh, spraying blood in every direction.

(End of Chapter)

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