Chapter 81: Bitter Truths and the Struggle for Power
Inside the throne room, the atmosphere grew so heavy that breathing became a struggle. Volt took a few more predatory steps toward King Alaric. Alaric raised his golden blade, but his hands were visibly trembling.
"Alaric, who gave you the Key?" Volt repeated, his voice echoing like rolling thunder through the hall.
The King let out a pained, hollow laugh. "Do you think I can even utter their names? They are everywhere! Even that system guiding you—it might be their ultimate trap!".
At that moment, the system flashed a crimson alert: [WARNING: King Alaric is initiating 'Self-Destruction' sequence. High risk to the entire city!].
"Sai, Aki, get back!" Volt commanded.
Sai raised his massive shield to protect Aki. Volt extended his right hand and unleashed his newly acquired 'Mind Control' skill. A dark violet beam shot from Volt's eyes, plunging directly into Alaric's psyche.
"Halt!" Volt roared.
Alaric froze mid-motion. The golden aura began to fade. Volt breached the King's memories, and there, he saw a vision of a woman whose white wings spanned the horizon—the High Goddess Artemis, the one who had ordered his execution.
Volt glared toward the heavens with renewed fury. "So, it is still you, Artemis...".