Chapter 522 -Resolving the Conflict
In a moment of unparalleled significance, the final seal constraining the mighty Ocean Sage was undone, allowing this ancient being to ascend from the hidden depths of the ocean. This event marked a turning point, as the release of the Ocean Sage was accompanied by a profound alteration in the surrounding aquatic elements. It was as though all the water elements in the vicinity had, in a fraction of a second, been drawn together in a remarkable convergence.
Following this extraordinary union of elements, the waters around the Ocean Sage underwent a spectacular transformation, culminating in the formation of a gigantic tsunami. This colossal wave, brimming with the unleashed power of the Ocean Sage, barrelled with unrelenting force towards Duke Arsena. Duke Arsena, renowned as a formidable Paladin, was no stranger to sensing impending threats. The very moment the seal of the Ocean Sage was shattered, he was acutely aware of the looming peril. Reacting swiftly to this intuition, he decided to abandon his ongoing confrontation with the two opponents he had been engaged with. Instead, he opted to forge an alliance with the enigmatic figure known as the Mystery Protector.
This alliance between Duke Arsena and the Mystery Protector ushered in a new chapter of confidence and resolve. United in their cause, they harbored a renewed sense of assurance. Despite the Ocean Sage's liberation from its ancient bonds, both Duke Arsena and the Mystery Protector harbored a firm belief. They were convinced that even with its newfound freedom, the Ocean Sage, formidable as it might be, would not be able to overpower the combined might of their united front.
However, their thinking was somewhat flawed because they overlooked another individual – John, who was now incredibly angry. After breaking free, the Ocean Sage's first action was to launch an attack on Duke Arsena. However, when the sudden assault failed to achieve its intended effect, the Ocean Sage did not continue the attack.
The Ocean Sage needed to confer with John to determine their next course of action. The Ocean Sage's mood was naturally a mix of anger and joy.
The Ocean Sage's anger stemmed from encountering several old foes, while its joy was due to finally being freed from its seals.
"I am deeply grateful for the help you provided. Without you, I would never have been able to break free from the seals so easily. But now, I want to know what your plan is going forward. What kind of gratitude do you expect from me?"
The Ocean Sage did not regard the wary Mystery Protector and Duke Arsena as significant threats. In its view, if John collaborated with it, the two of them could easily eliminate these enemies.
"I haven't decided yet what I would like as a token of your gratitude. However, my current plan is quite straightforward – we must first secure victory in this battle. If we fail to defeat these enemies before us, you might be resealed, and I could even end up being sealed myself."
John's words evidently pleased the Ocean Sage even more. Since John had chosen to stand with the Ocean Sage, it believed that it was impossible for them to fail again.
The two quickly prepared for battle, intending to first eliminate Duke Arsena and the Mystery Protector. After defeating these formidable opponents, they planned to join forces to overcome Natasha, who was still within the barrier.
Twilight and Hammer, who had previously restrained Duke Arsena, were visibly delighted to see the Ocean Sage. However, they also realized that the upcoming battle would be even more dangerous. Consequently, they chose to retreat into the shadows. They had great confidence in the Ocean Sage, believing it capable of defeating all the enemies present.
The power of the "Book of the Astral Realm" in John's possession had become even stronger, seemingly having absorbed some additional Holy Light power from the recent battle. With this more powerful Sacred Relic, John felt his actions were assured of success. However, just as both sides were prepared and on the verge of battle, the Naga Queen, accompanied by the Legend Magus Shatras of the Naga tribe, suddenly arrived on the battlefield. The Naga Queen felt that the ongoing conflict had to be stopped.
"I am here to ensure that you cease this battle. Your fighting is extremely detrimental to our Order Faction. Whether John or the Mystery Protector emerges victorious, the Order Faction will suffer great losses. Continuing this fight will only bring joy to the Dark Faction and the Mystery Camp.
Duke Arsena, you must be well aware that Storm City is about to be attacked by the Dark Realm, right? Then why are you here opposing John? And John, you're aware of this too, aren't you? Didn't you tell me earlier that you intended to help defend Storm City? Do you think Storm City can continue its defense after you've eliminated Duke Arsena?"
The words of the Naga Queen left everyone else speechless. They all knew that their current battle was merely an internal conflict within the Order Faction.
"Arsena, with the help of the Northern Myst Empire, snatched Storm City from me. Shouldn't I reclaim it?" The Ocean Sage spoke with an undiminished tone of anger. After all, not only had the Northern Myst Empire taken Storm City from him, but they had also sealed him for a long time.
At this, Duke Arsena coldly glanced at the Ocean Sage: "The Northern Myst Empire did not steal Storm City from you. The reason it has become my territory is simply because you betrayed the Order Faction and Storm City. If it weren't for your betrayal, Storm City wouldn't have faced such a grave crisis before. Don't think that just because you can deceive John, you can fool everyone else. The reason John agreed to help you must be because he fell for your deception. Now, I will recount all that has transpired at the Storm City event. Once I'm done, John will surely choose to stand by my side."
Duke Arsena's words took John by surprise. He had thought that Twilight and Hammer had already disclosed everything. But it seemed Twilight and Hammer might have withheld some crucial information. As Duke Arsena spoke, Twilight and Hammer also began to show signs of panic.
Indeed, Twilight and Hammer had previously deceived John, not disclosing the full story. They had been concerned that if they revealed everything, John might not have offered them his assistance.
"The reason the Mystery Faction was able to pose such a severe threat to our Storm City and the Naga tribe is due to your actions, isn't it? You had cooperated with a Saint of the Mystery Faction. Furthermore, it was your collaboration with the Mystery Saint that led to the Sea God being influenced by the powers of Mystery. If I hadn't led the armies of the Northern Myst Empire to take Storm City from your hands, the entire city would now be under the control of the Mystery Faction. Then, not only the safety of the people in Storm City would be at risk, but the entire Order Faction would face grave danger."
Arsena's words painted a picture of the Ocean Sage as a traitor who had endangered the stability of the Order Faction and facilitated the rise of the Mystery Faction. This revelation put the earlier actions of the Ocean Sage in a very different light, potentially influencing John's perception and decision regarding his alliance.
As Duke Arsena spoke, the others present maintained a profound silence. Aside from Natasha and the Mystery Protector, everyone else had some understanding of the situation Arsena described. The expression on the Ocean Sage's face turned noticeably grim; indeed, he could not deny his previous collaboration with the Saint of the Mystery Faction.
The revelation of this alliance with a known adversary of the Order Faction put the Ocean Sage in a compromising position, as it suggested a betrayal of the Faction's interests and principles. This development might have significantly influenced the attitudes and decisions of the other characters, particularly John, who had been assisting the Ocean Sage under different assumptions. The turn of events revealed a complex web of allegiances and motivations, reshaping the dynamics of the conflict.
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