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Chapter 143 — Shadows of Betrayal
A massive palace stood under a dark sky, filled with countless ancient statues.
At the highest balcony, a man stood silently.
His aura was dark, heavy, and terrifying—yet his eyes were sharp and intelligent.
He spoke calmly.
"So… he truly was Shen Karguro."
His voice echoed through the hall.
"The one who defeated the Demon Lord, the Arcane Kings, and killed more than a thousand generals."
Behind him, the Assassin King knelt on one knee, his body shattered and bleeding heavily.
"Yes… my king," the Assassin King replied faintly.
The man turned slightly.
"Did you hear that, my king?"
Before the Assassin King could respond—
A massive aura suddenly exploded through the palace.
SHHHKK!
In a single instant, his head was severed from his body.
Blood splashed across the floor.
The one who stood there was Arcane General No. 1.
The same Arcane General who had once been defeated by Shen.
But now—
He was far stronger.
His aura twisted violently, refined by rage and humiliation.
A man stepped forward and bowed deeply.
It was Ravel.
"Yes, my king," Ravel said respectfully.
The Arcane General laughed.
A cold, cruel laugh.
"I was defeated before," he said.
"Because I underestimated him."
His eyes burned with hatred.
"But now I understand."
"So wait for me, Shen Karguro."
"Your life… is already in my hands."
Ravel lowered his head, hiding his thoughts.
If I support him, Ravel thought,
I will become part of the Arcane Ministry.
---
Northern Region — Arcane Ministry
A colossal building stood like a god above the land.
Before its gates stood two warriors.
One radiated fire.
The other crackled with thunder.
Kenya Naro.
Ruke.
An Arcane Minister stepped forward, his presence crushing.
"So," the minister said coldly,
"you are companions of that Shen, aren't you?"
Neither of them replied.
The minister's face twisted with anger.
"How dare you ignore me?"
A terrifying aura burst forth.
At that moment, Kenya and Ruke understood—
If Shen returns…
This man will die.
Kenya turned slightly.
"Eliz," he said firmly,
"this problem is in your hands."
"Handle it."
A massive wave of power descended.
The palace floor shattered.
Kenya and Ruke fell.
Below the palace ruins, Eliz collapsed to her knees, tears falling endlessly.
"They sacrificed themselves for you, Shen," she whispered.
She clenched her fists.
"I will find you."
---
Southern Mountain Palace
Morning light covered the mountains.
A violent training aura shook the land.
Saen stood in the courtyard, sweat pouring down his body, dark mana roaring around him.
His training had become far more intense.
Because Shen himself was teaching him.
Saen was striving to reach Dark Mage — Form One.
Shen watched silently for a moment.
Then he turned and began walking down the mountain to buy elixirs.
His thoughts were heavy.
Dark Mage power is useless to me now, he thought.
My body is filled with pure energy.
Yesterday's memory burned.
The moment he used Dark Mage power—
His body rejected it.
Blood spilled from his mouth.
His stamina was almost completely drained.
Lare appeared beside him.
"I think this is because of your True God Form," Lare said.
Shen nodded.
"Yes," he replied.
"That form changed everything."
"I can no longer freely use Dark Mage power… or curses."
Frustration exploded from him.
"THEN HOW DO I GROW STRONGER?!"
"How do I defeat an Arcane Minister like this?!"
---
The Market
Shen entered the market.
But the atmosphere was strange.
Heavy.
Whispers filled the air.
Suddenly—
"Did you hear?"
"Kenya and Ruke are dead."
"…Eliz escaped."
Another voice whispered.
"This happened because of Shen."
"And his sister… that betrayer, Rin."
Shen froze.
A terrifying aura leaked from his body, cracking the ground.
Anger burned inside him—
But he did not release it.
Lare tried to calm him.
Shen heard nothing.
This happened because of me…
But why?
What did I miss?
---
Suddenly—
The ground trembled.
A massive squad of soldiers rode into the market.
Arcane symbols covered their armor.
At the front—
Arcane General No. 1.
His killing intent exploded.
He pointed at Shen.
"SHEN KARGURO!"
"I WILL KILL YOU—NOW!"
The sky darkened.
The war had begun.
---