Chapter 399: Unbeknownst to All, the Apocalypse Quietly Descends

Amidst the focused attention of all, Emperor Alphax's gaze flickered incessantly.

Under the covert influence of the Saint of Blazing Flames, this emperor, who dared to lead a siege against a powerful divine saint, experienced tumultuous waves within his heart, struggling with his thoughts.

On one hand,

Reason made Emperor Alphax feel that declaring equality between wind and fire was the best outcome.

On the other hand, Emperor Alphax, believing himself to be a sovereign, thought he should acknowledge his true feelings and make a final judgment based on them.

"The Saint of Blazing Flames has already made a move."

Observing the changing expressions on Emperor Alphax's face while seated on the throne, Garon thought silently.

This academic debate was proposed by the Saint of Blazing Flames at an appropriate time, following the escalation of tensions between wind and fire. With the encouragement of several legendary dragons and the genuine curiosity of scholars from both factions wanting to know which element was stronger, the debate quickly swept through the empire.

Walking around the imperial streets at this time,

One could see many spellcasters heatedly debating at the roadside.

However, unlike the previous life-and-death battles in the arena, this academic dispute was limited to the scholarly domain, significantly safer as it resulted in no casualties among the spellcasters.

Emperor Alphax thought the same.

"Since it is a conflict within the academic realm, I, as the emperor and also a scholar of fire magic, a spellcaster, should present my genuine viewpoint."

Emperor Alphax's eyes brightened, his resolve firming.

Then,

Emperor Alphax slowly stood up, surveyed his surroundings, and observed the expressions of each supreme mage.

Seeing Emperor Alphax's actions, the supreme mages became serious and quietly awaited the emperor's final verdict on the debate.

Emperor Alphax took a deep breath.

Then, under the watchful eyes of many, he solemnly declared: "By the rights bestowed upon me as the ruler of Alphatia, after reviewing the arguments from both sides, I hereby announce that the outcome of this debate is."

"The Universal Truth of Blazing Flame Academy has emerged victorious."

"Between the paths of wind and fire, the way of fire proves superior, while the way of wind is slightly inferior."

Upon hearing Emperor Alphax's decision, the entire supreme council first fell silent, then, as supreme mages of fire magic, burst into vigorous applause.

"His Majesty is wise!"

In stark contrast were the wind mages.

They clenched their fists, their faces grave, seeming out of place among the cheering as they looked at the emperor who had made the judgment, feeling that this wise ruler now seemed so alien to them.

Additionally, this debate was different from previous sessions of the supreme council.

Emperor Alphax's final judgment was broadcast magically to every corner of the empire, seen by every wind and fire mage.

At Dawn Island,

Marian, a wind mage, upon hearing the emperor's decision, subconsciously crushed the cup in her hand, tears of strong doubt and reluctance filling her eyes.

On Satellite World One,

Adolf, a fire mage who had just settled an extraterrestrial creature, saw the emperor's decision in a tavern and could not help but rejoice.

"Ha ha, today's expenses for all my fellow fire mages, I'll cover!"

Adolf declared boisterously, eliciting hearty laughter and agreement from many fire mages.

Meanwhile, the wind mages in the tavern had somber expressions and left without a word.

Scenes like this unfolded across the empire.

At this moment, Emperor Alphax turned to Camos, the dean who had initiated the academic issue, and asked, "What do you think of this result, Dean Camos?"

Camos smiled faintly and replied softly, "Your Majesty's judgment is undoubtedly fair and just. Thank you, Your Majesty, for providing a definitive answer to this academic question."

At this time,

The silent wind mages glanced suspiciously between Camos and Emperor Alphax.

The one who had brought up the academic issue and asked the emperor to judge was the neutrally-positioned fire mage who ultimately made the decision. Although he had always maintained neutrality, he was also a fire mage.

"Your Majesty."

"Can you ensure that your decision was not influenced by your personal bias as a fire mage?"

"Can you ensure that your decision was based on a thorough review of the arguments?"

"Can you ensure that your decision is completely fair and impartial, without favoring any side?"

A demi-god supreme mage of the wind school stared at Emperor Alphax and asked in a deep voice.

The other supreme mages, silent for a long time, also echoed.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider carefully, do not make a decision so lightly."

Under the gaze of countless citizens of the empire, the

 inquiries from the wind mages caused Emperor Alphax to show displeasure, and from their tone, he heard a challenge.

"Are you questioning the decision of the emperor?"

Emperor Alphax's gaze turned sharp and cold as he looked at the many wind mages and said.

As a ruler, Emperor Alphax could not tolerate questioning of his authority, even if he made a wrong decision. He could reflect on it, but it should not be for the citizens under his rule to actively refute and question.

"Your Majesty, this is a reasonable challenge."

"The academic debate, with its significant controversy, should not be decided hastily."

The wind mages replied.

Meanwhile, the fire mages, supported by Emperor Alphax, stood by his side and angrily accused the wind mages of disrespecting the royal family, being lawless, while the wind mages retorted sharply.

The august supreme council.

For a moment, it seemed to turn into a noisy market.

Hearing the doubts and questions of the wind mages, Emperor Alphax's expression became increasingly impatient. These wind mages were almost blatantly saying that he, the emperor, had deliberately favored the fire mages to make an unfair decision.

Even if that were true.

Amidst the many doubts and questions, Emperor Alphax's gaze grew darker.

At the same time, influenced by the Saint of Blazing Flames, the fiery nature inherent to fire mages began to erode his inner peace.

At this moment, Emperor Alphax could no longer maintain his composure.

"Enough!"

A roar erupted.

Emperor Alphax burst forth with overwhelming flames, like a king emerging from fire.

"I am Alphax, the king of Alphatia!"

"Under the heavens, all lands belong to the king, and everything within the empire belongs to me!"

"My judgment is more authoritative than divine oracles; you have no right to question it!"

He said tyrannically.

Looking at the emperor enveloped in flames, the fire mages felt honored, while the wind mages showed deep disappointment, unable to believe what they were seeing from Emperor Alphax.

At this moment, the emperor's display of barbaric nature was completely different from their previous understanding of his wise and intelligent demeanor.

In the eyes of the wind mages, the emperor's behavior now seemed no different from that of other barbaric fire mages.

Provoked by the challenges of the wind mages, Emperor Alphax, after surveying the surroundings, signed and issued two new laws on the spot at the circular step court, demanding their immediate implementation.

The Blazing Flame Dominance Academy was established as the imperial orthodoxy, henceforth enjoying more resources.

The three thousand seats of the supreme council had half of the wind mages' seats removed, expanding the influence of the fire mages.

Facing the enraged Emperor Alphax, the wind mages did not raise any more objections this time, silently accepting the decision, but their eyes already completely devoid of trust in the emperor, even in the entire empire.

At this moment, Garon saw into the hearts of these wind mages.

Betrayed by the entity they were loyal to, they were thoroughly disappointed and no longer took pride in being citizens of Alphatia.

"The turning point from the splendor to the downfall of Alphatia was right here."

Garon thought silently. Before, he had wondered what had happened to make the wind mages eventually harbor no attachment to the empire, constructing a spell to destroy the entire cosmic system and overturn their once-proud glorious empire.

Now it appeared,

It was not that the wind mages betrayed the empire.

It was Alphatia that had abandoned them first.

"Next, Alphatia is likely to become chaotic."

At this moment, in the tense atmosphere of the circular step court, Garon seemed to already see a future filled with blood and fire, a fractured Alphatia.

After issuing the laws, Emperor Alphax returned directly to the Tower of Flame.

The supreme council concluded, and one by one, the joyous fire mages left the place.

Soon after, Garon, Isaac, and Camos returned together to Satellite World Seven.

In the Realm of Light, the Saint of Blazing Flames, radiating intense fire, said, "Such actions by Emperor Alphax have intensified the conflict between wind and fire to an unprecedented level."

"Now, we just need to wait for the spellcasters' infighting to arrive."

Garon stared at the Saint of Blazing Flames and said, "Since the downfall of Alphatia is almost a foregone conclusion."

"Great Saint of Blazing Flames, it's time you gave us our promised reward."

Upon hearing about the reward,

Two rainbow dragons looked eagerly.

"Indeed."

"Without our help, this academic issue would not have garnered such widespread attention."

"It's time to give us our reward."

Isaac and Chris echoed.

When it comes

 to similarities between legendary dragon species and ordinary true dragons, their love for treasure stands out; rainbow dragons are no exception to accumulating more wealth.

The Saint of Blazing Flames, with a calm gaze, said, "No problem, you can come with me to the realm of fire elements to get it, how about that?"

Hearing the words of the Saint of Blazing Flames, Garon's expression darkened.

Going to the realm of fire elements, wouldn't that mean betting their safety on the character and hospitality of the Saint of Blazing Flames?

"I think it's better if you bring the reward from the realm of fire elements here."

After hearing Garon's words, the Saint of Blazing Flames simply nodded and calmly said, "That can be arranged, but it will take some time, don't be anxious."

After saying this, the Saint of Blazing Flames left.

Inside the Realm of Light, the three legendary dragons looked at each other.

Finally, Garon narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "This guy wants us to go to the realm of fire elements, it seems he's up to no good."

Isaac and Chris hummed, "He probably wants to kill the dragon and seal the mouth, after all, a saint being imprisoned by mortals is a disgraceful matter, and He wouldn't want any creature to know."

After thinking for a while, the silver dragon said solemnly, "If the Saint of Blazing Flames lacks sincerity and thinks we are weak and can be bullied, He will only pay a heavy price for this."

In this timeline, the reputation of legendary dragon species is not prominent; Garon's speculation is not unreasonable.

"As for now, let's just wait and see."

On Satellite World Four, in a hidden society accessible only to wind mages,

A group of wind mages gathered, their expressions extremely somber.

"Alphax, this foolish emperor, actually signed a decree allowing those brainless fire mages to lord over us."

One wind mage said angrily.

In his words, there was no longer any reverence for Alphax.

Spellcasters are not blindly loyal creatures; they all possess independent free thought. Since Alphax did not favor them, these wind mages would not remain loyal to Alphax.

If it were in the past, there would definitely be wind mages who would scold such talk.

But inside this secret society, all the wind mages refrained from any dissuasion.

"Hehe, Alphax is a fire mage, and the fact that the fire path, a foundationless and newly emerging way, could develop is mainly thanks to this emperor."

"A fair and impartial judgment without favoritism? If I said that, even the dog I raise at home wouldn't believe it!"

"What does it mean that fire magic is the orthodoxy of the empire? Do they deserve it? What contributions have they made to the empire? The Gale Song, Star Bridge—aren't these magical engineering feats all masterpieces of our wind mages!"

Inside the society, the wind mages drank strong liquor and indignantly discussed Emperor Alphax.

"I think that Camos, who proposed this academic issue, appears neutral on the surface, but he must also be a person from the fire mage side."

"Just like Alphax, that damned dog emperor, duplicitous!"

There were radical wind mages who cursed outright.

"Perhaps, the whole thing is a conspiracy by the fire mages, aimed at weakening our position and influence among the wind mages."

"With Alphax's support, if we don't react, they will only become more aggressive in the future! Insulting us wind mages with impunity."

This secret society was formed by some radical wind mages after Alphax declared fire magic the orthodoxy of the empire.

This place was just one branch.

As they talked, a wind mage suggested.

"I think it's time to show those barbarians some color."

"Our wind path has a long heritage and ancient history. How could our profound strength and heritage be compared to fire magic?"

One wind mage thought for a moment, showing a cold smile, and said, "You're right. As for how to teach them a lesson, I have a good idea."

Moments later.

Under the cover of night and the concealing winds, hundreds of wind mages quietly approached a small Blazing Flame Dominance Magic Academy.

The furious wind mages, using resonant casting, conjured a massive storm composed of endless wind blades that descended from the sky, enveloping the entire magic academy.

In this attack by radical wind mages.

Buildings of the magic academy collapsed in chunks, shattered, many fire mages caught off guard were severely injured, and some were even torn into bloody mist by the fierce hurricane.

Similar scenes unfolded in the following days.

On the main star and various satellite worlds, there were incidents of wind mages attacking fire magic academies.

Such attacks were no small matter in the long-peace

ful Alphatia.

Because so many wind mages participated, Emperor Alphax, continuously losing face due to the wind mage attacks, in a fit of rage, signed another decree—declaring the wind school as an illegal organization not recognized by the empire.

The Saint of Blazing Flames fully influenced Emperor Alphax, making him irritable and quick-tempered.

The effectiveness was significant.

The decree signed by Emperor Alphax meant that all wind mages were no longer under the protection of imperial law, and the empire's citizens could inflict private punishment on them without facing penalties.

With Alphax's support, the fire mages who had been attacked by wind mages began to launch bloody reprisals, attacking the wind schools even more ferociously, and even, with imperial support, publicly broadcasting some of the cruel killings, treating all neutral wind mages as enemies and inciting more fire mages to join.

With the support of the decree, the fire mages faced no penalties.

Initially, only a small part of the wind mages were radical.

But under the pressure from Emperor Alphax and the fire mages, more and more wind mages were forced to go to war with the fire mages.

What began as mutual attacks between magic academies, as time passed, led to more reprisals that even began to affect families, friends, and acquaintances.

The entire Alphatia empire split into two factions, constantly in strife, everyone in danger.

In this atmosphere,

Suddenly, the citizens of Alphatia were shocked to find that a large-scale internal strife disaster, sweeping across the entire empire, had quietly descended.

The last day has arrived; it's time to clear your monthly tickets—A warm reminder from the author.

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