The < Dragons > were like a moon, always there. So, when the world heard of their downfall overnight, it was hard to believe.

Their existence had become so ubiquitous that the term stopped referring to people and gained the meaning to apply to the area under the influence of Sunset City.

People called the thin shield the < Dragons > scales.

The leader of Sunset gained the title of the < Dragons > Blessed.

That distinct language from that city's founders was called the < Dragons > tongue.

The world called the defensive mechanism itself < Dragons >.

And it died.

Consequently, an enormous exodus began as the densest city in the world became uninhabitable.

---

"What do you mean you're going to meet with the Highpeak Cult?"

"Why is that surprising? I don't know. It just feels like the right thing to do if I don't have a home anymore."

"You don't make it easier to forget your family lived there from who knows when."

"It was not that much, but that was our home, you know. With that and my parents gone, I see no reason not to gamble."

"Was it the Demon Lord?"

"We aren't under that leadership anymore, so I wouldn't call him that."

"What is he, then?"

"As far as my family history tells, just someone that didn't leave."

"Can people even ascend, though? And why would they?"

"I don't know."

"And what about the zombies? They have been causing chaos on the Luminious Empire?"

"They were taken over. But those are likely to be reset."

"And if they do, will the Highpeak Cult rise again?"

"Sure."

"I don't get you."

"Well, I don't either. But I'm like I am."

"But will they accept you?"

"They're connected to the < Dragons >. And I hold enough connection to be accepted if I accept their oath."

The sudden change of plans shocked Josh, but after thinking about it for a bit, he also acted on impulse.

"Can I follow you?"

"I thought you would drop and not want to have anything with me."

"You know me well, don't you? But I also know you well. And you wouldn't do this blindly."

"Touché. It's just pointless to explain my innate ability. There is no explanation. I merely feel like it."

"And that makes me afraid. You also felt like something was wrong with the city. That's why we were even drinking that day. It's scary."

"I've learned to listen to it the worst way possible. So, I understand that feeling well. But shitty stuff happens, and it doesn't cause it. At least, I don't think so. Instead, it's a tragedy alarm."

...

After deciding their destination, Josh and Joe had been slowly traveling toward the heart of the Luminious Empire.

However, as they were a month in, they received some surprising news.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Josh had been struggling to sleep well, so he left his bed early and walked around aimlessly.

But once he heard of the news from the Highpeak Cult, he quickly returned and woke his buddy.

"Joey, Joey, Joey!"

"Fuck, what do you want?"

"The Clan moved!"

"What are you talking about?" Joe asked as he covered himself again with the blanket.

"The Highpeaks MOVED!"

"WHAT?" Joe sat up quickly.

"They took everything of value and moved! And that includes their Iron Defense."

Trying to understand the news, Joe stared at the floor open-mouthed.

"They weren't rooted like the < Dragons >?" Josh asked.

"Where?"

"They're still on the move, but it seems they're traveling on a straight line."

"Nothing changed. We go where the Highpeaks go. Even if the clan's defense isn't rooted, nothing changed."

"Here, I got a map!"

After finally calming down, Joe saw the piece of paper Josh had in his hand, and at first glance, he could barely see a line drawn on it.

---

Ben Higgs observed the < Dragons > descendants before leaving them alone.

But now, he waited patiently for the Highpeak Clan to move.

He had also felt the world around him for the first time since he fell into slumber. So, he had a smug face since his time-gaining measures worked for way longer than he imagined it could.

Eventually, the puppets he made either fell apart or got restricted by others. But that didn't surprise him since he didn't think that project was fault-free, and people still had enough power to interfere.

The good news, though, is that the magic-like energies on this planet dwindled so much that Ben must be the strongest in the world right now.

Although, as Ben observed the Empire in the distance, he felt he wasn't that far ahead.

'Well, this should be enough. The sooner I can get in the way, the better. And I need to prepare for later too. I can't let nature eventually overwhelm me.'

With Ginn's help, Ben slowed down his memory loss, but they couldn't stop it completely. But fortunately, they were able to set up a system where Ben could influence which memories were dissipating first. Although not precise, this change allowed Ben to avoid unwanted memory losses at crucial moments and strengthened his protected vault.

However, even after all that, Ben still knew it was only a question of time. Millions of years passed slowly, but it did.

Yet, Ben felt carefree. His was somewhat absentminded, but he had crafted his body carefully so that he would remain himself.

And he did. Although his sense of self became a vague blob, he still acted on his instinct.

"They've been calling me the Demon Lord. It's fitting, isn't it?" Ben smiled as he stood up.

Once he felt his people far enough, Ben walked forward.

He had stayed far enough not to be noticed by the Luminious Empire leadership, but once he moved forward fearlessly, they also began acting on the other side.

Ben's stride eventually met with resistance from an army.

They quickly surrounded Ben.

And once they were close enough, Ben's march stopped. But not because he wanted to. Instead, he received a punch that forced him to the ground.

Immediately after, the apex defender and the rest of the army began their chaining measures.

Yet, after glimpsing at his armored man, Ben stared through the artificial fog behind him with his deformed face.

Finding what he looked for, Ben quickly levitated up again with unnatural movements.

The soldier tried to stop Ben, but once he moved again, all energy surrounding him dissipated. And by the time Ben was again on his feet, the man in front of him became dust.

Ben then slowly moved out of the small crater and walked toward his target.

The army tried to stop him again but to no avail. Everyone that walked too close to the invader turned to dust, and every magic sent his way dissipated.

Ben only stopped in front of a swordswoman.

"Why can you do this."

"What an interesting question. Most just cry about how unfair life is. Because it is."

"Is this a meaningless struggle? Why isn't it the same for you? How can you be here still."

"My daring struggle was charming at the right time towards the right people."

"Were they that special? I can't fathom it. But after seeing you personally, perhaps the legends are underrating the < Dragons > by a lot."

"This world was merely their playground."

"And they gave it to you once they left?"

"Part that."

"For someone who lived so long, I thought you would be more insightful."

"My insight boils down to understanding how to crush the world and choosing not to. Not that insightful toward a fulfilling life."

"How altruistic of you."

"I'm only selfish to the point I don't think you're a good snack."

"You don't want it. Yet, you don't want others to have it, neither."

"Don't eat the floor under my foot. That's basic manners."

"So, how are you going to force us to do that? Those puppets were barely effective."

A sinister smile appeared on Ben's face for the first time, which made the apex figure shudder. She thought that the person in front of her might not be that sane in the end.

"People believe that if it's there, and it's possible, why shouldn't they do it?"

"Striving for the best."

"Striving... Over the years, I learned a very cool trick."

"A wise trick?"

"It's sad how I can't show it to them. But today, as the strongest person out there, you'll witness how I break the Conservation law. To sum up, I don't need to take it if I don't want you to have it."

"So, are you going to destroy the world?"

"A small experiment in the open. You have grown weak enough not to be much of a problem if preparations are in place."

"Should I feel special?"

"It's up to you. And to be fair, I did consider just exploding and taking half of the world with me. But how effective would that be?"

"There would still be half of the world trying to refine whatever is left."

"But what if I slow burn it? If I put the onus on them, that would be the best. Well, at least if it's clear that they can't have it."

"I don't get it."

"Let me show you. As the second strongest in the world right now, behold my prank. What's freedom?"

"You act too much like a child."

"OH! Thank you!" Ben smiled as he quickly turned into black marble.