3 Years Later

Elliz, who is now 12 years old, has built a great force under the crow banner of the Phantom Vanguards, a secret army that operates in the shadows, but is still recognized by the kingdom. With her brilliant strategy and influence as a saint prodigy, she recruited war slaves who were trained hard to become loyal soldiers, all thanks to the slave sales data that Mr. Cedric had so it was easy for her.

In the specialized laboratory established by Elliz, Mira is now working as the chief researcher, developing alchemical weapons and advanced technology to support troop operations.

Morning in the Kingdom of Laynrad

Elliz woke up from her room, getting ready by wearing the clothes she designed herself. Military dress with a combination of white, black, and red colors, decorated with elegant gold accessories. A pet hat and red ribbon completed her look, giving an aura of authority and elegance, now that she was in 5-star magic.

She stood in front of the mirror, making sure everything was perfect before stepping out. Today, she would head to the east tower of the castle to inspect the progress of the troop training.

Phantom Vanguards: The Power Behind the Shadows

This troop is made up of individuals who have been rigorously trained over the past three years. Many of them are former war slaves who are now elite soldiers.

Lyra, who was gifted in the sword arts, now mastered the Mana blade perfectly. She wore a black uniform with a red cape, with a sword at her waist. As the main division commander, she was Elliz's right hand.

Edrann, who had developed into a formidable assassin, led the assassin class group. With his expertise in silent movement and deadly attacks, he became one of the Phantom Vanguards' greatest assets.

Elliz in her Office

Elliz sat in a grand office chair, looking at the troop progress report. Not long after, Lyra entered with firm steps, saluting.

"Princess Elliz, the morning training has been completed. All divisions reported positive results," Lyra reported in a firm tone.

Elliz nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Make sure they are ready for the next mission. We must not let our guard down."

Lyra smiled faintly, her eyes full of confidence. "Of course, Your Highness. The Phantom Vanguards will not let you down."

Darius, the mercenary who was originally forced to join the Phantom Vanguards, was now the deputy commander under Elliz. Although his loyalty is driven more by fear than trust, he still does his job well.

As deputy commander, Darius is responsible for the operational coordination and training of troops. His expertise in combat and strategy made him an important member of the Phantom Vanguards' structure.

Elliz stood in her office, her gaze fixed on the large map hanging on the wall. The map displayed the territory of the Kingdom of Nevalheim, complete with markings that she made herself; strategic cities, supply lines, and enemy strongholds. With her index finger, she traced the line to the capital, her eyes blazing with determination.

"It's time," she muttered, his low voice echoing in the quiet room.

Lyra, who was standing by the door, turned to her. "Time for what, Princess Elliz?"

Elliz turned her head, her smile full of meaning. "Come with me to the lab downstairs. Mira will be ready."

Downstairs Lab

The dark hallway leading to the laboratory was filled with the sound of their steps. Magic crystal lamps illuminated the way, creating long shadows on the stone walls. The large door at the end of the hallway opened automatically, revealing a busy Mira at her desk.

Mira, wearing white robes stained with ink and chemicals, turned her head when she heard them enter. "Ah, Princess Elliz, just in time, I'm almost done."

Elliz stepped in, her gaze immediately falling on the large object on the main desk, a metal cylinder with intricate carvings along its sides.

Lyra frowned. "That... just a cylinder? Is this the weapon you were talking about?"

Mira chuckled. "It's not just a cylinder. This is the Arcane Devastator. A weapon that combines magic and mechanical technology. In a single shot, it can destroy a fortress or annihilate an enemy army. Its magic is compressed within the crystal core, producing an unrivaled explosion."

Lyra stared at the object with widened eyes. "Is its power really that great?"

Elliz answered before Mira could speak. "Yes. This will be the key to our victory... and the tool for revenge."

Mira and Lyra were silent for a moment, realizing the seriousness behind Elliz's words.

"You're really going to do it?" Mira finally said, her voice trembling slightly. "The Kingdom of Nevalheim... they will pay the price for what they did to you."

Elliz nodded. "The war is getting closer. And I'll make sure they know who they're up against."

Lyra clenched her fists, her spirit burning. "I will fight by your side, Princess Elliz. Until the end."

Elliz smiled faintly, looking up at her two confidants. "We will not lose. Nevalheim will fall, and they will know the taste of destruction like I once did."

With that, she turned around, her gaze back full of determination. Her journey of revenge had only just begun.

approval

Elliz made its way down the palace hallways to King Alistair's office.Her boots echoed on the marble floor, signaling her strong determination.

As the large doors of the office opened, King Alistair looked up from his desk. The lines of his experienced face showed his age.

"Elliz?" The king asked, slightly confused. "What is it?"

However, upon seeing the piercing look in his daughter's eyes, his expression turned serious.

"Father," Elliz began in a firm voice, "it's time. The Kingdom of Nevalheim must feel revenge for what they did to us."

The king was silent, looking at his daughter. He knew that vengeance had long been smoldering in Elliz's heart, but hearing her wish directly now made him hesitate.

"Elliz," the king finally said, "you know this is not a light responsibility. War is not something that can be decided easily."

Elliz nodded, then stepped closer. "I have prepared everything, the troops are ready, the strategy has been devised, it's not just about my vengeance it's about justice for those who have suffered."

The king let out a long sigh, then leaned back in his chair. "My health does not allow me to join the war. You know that."

"I don't mind, Father," Elliz replied calmly. "I'm not asking you to fight. I just need your blessing and support."

The king looked at his daughter with a thoughtful gaze. In his mind, he knew that the throne would soon be passed on to Kaelan, his eldest son. However, he also knew Kaelan would never let Elliz fight alone.

The king finally spoke, his voice full of wisdom. "Elliz, if I give you permission, are you ready to bear this burden? Are you absolutely sure this is the path you should take?"

Elliz looked at her father without hesitation. "I've been thinking about it for years. If not now, when will it be? They must pay for their crimes."

The king was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. You have my blessing. But remember, Elliz... revenge must not blind you. Make sure you keep protecting our people."

Elliz smiled slightly, a triumphant smile. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."

As Elliz left the room, Marcus turned to the King. "Your highness, is this decision wise?"

The king sighed, his gaze distant. "Elliz is no longer a child. She is stronger than we thought. I can only hope she does not lose herself in this war."

In Elliz's room

Elliz stood in front of the mirror in her room. Her gaze was sharp, filled with determination. She looked at herself.

"War, huh..." she muttered while holding the rapier hanging from her waist. "I will definitely win. And as I promised... I will make it double."

She let out a long sigh, then turned and walked out of the room. Her shoes echoed along the corridors of the grand palace. However, the sound of her steps stopped when a familiar voice called out to her from behind.

"Elliz! Wait a minute!"

She turned around to see Kaelan, her brother, running after her. His face was full of worry.

"Are you really going to take revenge?" Kaelan asked in a serious tone. "You know, there is the Ferewyn kingdom that supports Nevalheim. This is not a simple war."

Elliz smiled faintly, her eyes full of confidence. "My ambition has never changed, Brother. I've thought about all of this."

Kaelan sighed, feeling that his argument would not change anything. "Elliz, you are stubborn. But you should know, this war could destroy us if we're not careful."

Elliz nodded, but her answer remained unwavering. "I know that risk. But they must pay for what they did. I will not back down."

Kaelan was silent. He knew his sister would not change her mind. With some frustration, he finally said, "Then I'll join this war. You can't do it alone."

Elliz sighed softly, as if she had predicted that answer. "Brother, that's not necessary. Just lend me your troops. You are the successor to the throne. If you die on the battlefield, this kingdom will be in chaos."

Kaelan felt belittled. "Elliz, I'm not weak. I'm strong, Don't underestimate me!"

Elliz smiled a little, then came over and patted her brother's shoulder. "Alright, then. Don't die, brother. I will never forgive you if you die."

Kaelan chuckled, trying to ease the tension. "Take it easy, I won't die. That's my promise."

Elliz nodded, her smile still etched. In her heart, she knew this war would be the greatest test for both of them as sibling, as warriors, and as successors to Laynrad's royal blood.

Kaelan looked at his sister doubtfully. "Elliz, when do we leave?" he asked.

Elliz, who was examining the map in her room, replied casually, "In two days."

Kaelan was surprised. "What? Two days? Isn't that too soon?"

Elliz smiled slightly, her eyes full of confidence. "It's more than enough."

Two days later, the palace meeting room was filled with important figures. There was Kaelan, Sir Alex, the palace mage Goldon, Lyra, Darius, and Edrann. Elliz stood at the front, leading the discussion.

"We will start with a surprise attack using the new weapon," Elliz said firmly.

Kaelan, Sir Alex, Goldon, Darius, and Edrann looked at each other in confusion.

"A new weapon?" asked Sir Alex.

Elliz gave a small smile. "We'll see."

She continued, "The Ferewyn Kingdom will definitely send troops once it hears that this war has started. Therefore, this secret weapon will be used in two sessions, one for a surprise attack, and one to deal with the Ferewyn army."

Goldon raised an eyebrow. "Will this be enough?"

Elliz gave him a sharp look. "It's more than enough. We don't need to ask for help from the Veltherion kingdom, our alliance. This is our business."

After a few moments of silence, everyone finally agreed to the plan.

Upon departure, a large army gathered at the palace gates. Kaelan's troops, the Phantom Vanguards, and Sir Alex and Goldon's group prepared to leave. Elliz, wearing her distinctive military dress, rode her horse with confidence.

Kaelan, who was riding beside her, asked in a worried tone, "Elliz, are you nervous? This is your first big war."

Elliz just chuckled. "No, brother. I'm actually happy. It feels good to have new experiences."

Kaelan was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly. He knew Elliz was different from most people.

The long journey to the kingdom of Nevalheim began. Along the way, Elliz looked far ahead, her mind full of plans and strategies. To her, this was not just a war, it was the first step towards the revenge she had been waiting for.

The long journey of a day and a half finally brought them to the front of the kingdom of Nevalheim. From a distance, a large fortress stood firmly, as if challenging anyone who dared to approach.

Elliz looked up at it from her horse, her eyes full of determination. "Finally," she muttered softly.

All the troops immediately took up positions. In the center of the crowd, five Phantom Vanguards soldiers carefully carried the Arcane Devastator, a large cylindrical weapon that emitted a terrifying magic aura.

Kaelan, Lyra, and the others watched the weapon skeptically.

"How will that thing work?" asked Kaelan in an incredulous tone.

Elliz didn't answer, her gaze fixed on the fortress ahead.

On top of the wall, the soldiers of Nevalheim began to notice the arrival of a large army in the distance. They wondered at each other in confusion, but before anyone could shout, Elliz raised her hand and said calmly, "Attack."

The Arcane Devastator fired.

A huge explosion shook the ground, destroying the fortress wall in an instant. Flames and debris flew in all directions, creating a horrifying scene.

Everyone, including Kaelan and Lyra, were shocked at the destructive power of the weapon.

"This... this is crazy," Lyra muttered.

However, before they could say more, Elliz shouted loudly, "Attack!"

The troops instantly moved forward, running towards the fort that was now wide open.

Kaelan rushed to stop Elliz, pulling her shoulder forcefully. "Elliz, have you lost your mind?! An explosion of that magnitude?! What about the civilians?!" Kaelan was now clutching his sister's shirt collar with emotion.

Elliz looked at her brother coldly. "Then what about our citizens who died back then?"

Kaelan stared back angrily. "I know, but an explosion of that magnitude could-"

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Elliz cut him off with a stern voice. "Leave their souls unsettled? I'm just replying in kind, brother. If you want to bring up my status as a Saint, then consider it penance for the kingdom that attacked for no reason."

Kaelan clenched his fists. "Civilians should not be included in this revenge!"

Elliz, who had lost her temper, punched Kaelan hard in the face. Kaelan staggered back, clutching his now bruised face.

Elliz gave her a cold look. "Do they care when they slaughter us? Their citizens will revolt if we let them live. So stop thinking about insignificant obstacles."

Without waiting for a reply, Elliz walked away with firm steps, followed by Lyra who could only stare at Kaelan with a doubtful expression before chasing after Elliz.

Kaelan stood where he was, staring at his sister who was getting farther away. In his heart, he knew Elliz had changed.

Darius led the attack brutally, opening the way to the castle of the king of Nevalheim. Any obstacles that tried to stop them were immediately obliterated. On the other side, Edrann and his group of assassins provided support from the shadows, eliminating enemies who tried to counterattack or escape.

Amidst the chaos, Lyra continued to advance with Elliz. However, her gaze fell on a man trapped under the rubble of a building. Her heart moved to help, but Elliz's stern voice stopped her.

"Focus, Lyra," Elliz ordered coldly.

Reluctantly, Lyra turned away and continued her task.

Outside the castle, Darius and Edrann remained on guard. They received reports that troops from the Ferewyn kingdom were on their way to help Nevalheim.

"Let them come," Darius muttered in a confident tone.

Elliz and Lyra managed to get into the castle. Any knight who tried to resist was immediately killed without mercy. Even some workers who were desperate to attack them also met the same fate.

As they walked down the hallway, Lyra saw a maid hiding in a corner, her body trembling in fear. Her gaze then shifted to the outside of the large shattered window, where she saw a war scene full of destruction.

"Lyra, what are you doing?" asked Elliz, halting her steps.

Lyra turned her head, her eyes still filled with confusion and guilt. "This... is my first war. Why should civilians-"

Elliz cut her off with a cold voice. "Stop asking about that. Focus on your duty, remember...no more Nevalheim..."

They finally arrived at the throne room. With one powerful slash, Lyra shattered the large door, revealing the scene inside. The king, queen, and their princess stood there, surrounded by several loyal knights who immediately attacked.

However, Lyra moved with incredible speed, eliminating them one by one without giving them a chance to fight back.

Elliz stepped in slowly, a cold smile etched on her face. "Finally, we meet."

The king looked at her with fear and regret, realizing that the destruction that befell them was the result of past actions.

Elliz stepped towards the queen with a cold stare. In one swift motion, she grabbed the queen's hair and pulled it roughly.

"I suggest you keep quiet, or this head will separate from the body," Elliz said in a casual yet threatening tone.

The king and princess who had initially shouted immediately fell silent, fear engulfing them.

"What do you want?" asked the king in a trembling voice.

Elliz smiled faintly. "Nothing... just revenge."

The king looked at her angrily and said, "You're a monster! You're not a Saint! You're a monster!"

Elliz let out a long breath, then looked at the king with a mocking gaze. "Monster, you say? From someone who attacks with cunning tactics, your tongue is indeed bitter, huh..."

The king paused, trying to calm himself. "I'll give you whatever you want... treasure, throne, everything."

"Oh, thank you for the offer," Elliz replied playfully. "But for me, there is something more than that."

Instantly, Elliz took out her rapier and beheaded the queen without hesitation. Blood rushed out, and the king's daughter screamed hysterically, trying to get close to her mother. However, the king pulled his daughter back, trying to calm her down.

Lyra, who was standing behind Elliz, finally spoke up. "Princess... is it really necessary to go this far?"

Elliz turned her head slightly, her gaze cold. "Since when do I have mercy? You've seen for yourself, Lyra, how Mr. Cedric fared back then."

Lyra thought back to that incident, where Elliz cruelly sentenced someone to death without hesitation. She could only remain silent, though her heart was troubled.

"But... this will ruin your reputatio-," Lyra continued in a low voice.

However, before she could continue, Elliz suddenly thrust her rapier into Lyra's stomach.

Lyra was shocked, blood flowing from her mouth. "Princess... why... I have given all...i had..." Lyra said in a weak voice.

Elliz withdrew her rapier with a swift movement, making Lyra fall to her knees. "Lyra, I know you'll get in my way... but don't worry, I won't kill you."

She squatted in front of Lyra who had almost fainted, then looked at her coldly. "I'll make a new version of you. A stronger, more useful version."

Lyra could only stare at Elliz with eyes full of sadness before finally passing out. Meanwhile, Elliz stood up and looked at the king and his daughter with a faint smile.

"Well... let's continue this game," she said in a tone full of irony.

The King of Nevalheim stood trembling, trying to protect his terrified daughter behind his back. However, Elliz was already losing patience.

"Enough talking," she said coldly. In one swift motion, her rapier swung and the king's head separated from his body.

The screams of the remaining princess filled the room. She fell to her knees, hugging her father's lifeless body, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Elliz looked at the girl expressionlessly. "What's your name?" she asked while holding her rapier casually.

"S-Sylvia... Sylvia Nevalheim..." A girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes, she replied in a trembling voice.

Elliz pulled Sylvia's hair, forcing the girl to stand up. She brought her face close to Sylvia's frightened face. "What a shame, huh... such a beautiful girl like you had to die in such a horrible way."

Suddenly, the sound of quick steps could be heard behind Elliz. "Let her go!" a man shouted.

Elliz turned her head slightly, seeing a young prince, Sylvia's older brother, running towards her with his sword drawn. His movements were fast and furious, trying to stab Elliz.

However, Elliz calmly pulled Sylvia's body in front of her. "If you're going to attack, make sure you're prepared for the consequences," she said coldly.

The prince had no time to stop his steps. His sword pierced through Sylvia's head, killing his own sister.

The prince's eyes widened, full of shock and guilt. "N-No... Sylvia!"

Elliz released Sylvia's lifeless body, letting it fall to the floor with a thud. "You can't even protect your own sister, pathetic..."

Anger and sadness filled the prince's face. He attacked Elliz again with his sword, but Elliz easily dodged.

The ruined throne room was now filled with an aura of rage. The prince stared at his sister's lifeless body. His eyes were full of anger and sorrow, and without thinking, he drew his sword, emitting a body-strengthening magic aura.

Elliz stood quietly, observing her opponent's movements. However, before she could say anything, the prince had already attacked her with incredible speed. His sword slammed into Elliz's body, throwing her through the castle wall.

Elliz landed gracefully in the blood-soaked castle courtyard. "Oh! This is more interesting," she said with a cold smile.

The prince jumped out of the ruins, his magic aura intensifying. "Why do you have to exist?!" he shouted in a voice broken by anger.

Elliz raised an eyebrow, savoring the hatred in her opponent's eyes. "Before we begin, what is your name, Prince?"

The prince growled. "I am Aldric Nevalheim!" A prince with Brown hair.

Elliz smiled slightly. "Very well, Aldric. Do you have a reason to attack me, or is this just an empty rage?"

Aldric raised his sword, pointing directly at Elliz. "You! You are the reason my life is ruined! Ever since you were born, I've been compared to you! Why am I not talented?! Why was I never enough in my father's eyes?! All because of a kid like you!"

Elliz chuckled, her steps leisurely approaching Aldric. "If your stupid father hadn't attacked my kingdom first and accepted defeat with dignity, maybe I would just be enjoying my tea in my room instead of here, destroying your family."

"Shut up, bitch!" Aldric shouted, his face flushed with anger. "Saint, they said? You're just a bitch who happened to be blessed!"

Hearing that, Elliz stopped her steps. Her gaze turned cold. In an instant, she attacked with a speed that even the eyes could hardly follow. Her Mana Blade coated rapier slammed into Aldric's sword with a force that made the ground beneath them crack.

"What did you say?" Elliz's voice sounded low and threatening.

Aldric did not back down. He jumped back, swinging his sword that was now enveloped in fire elemental magic. His attacks were not only fast, but also destructive, destroying anything in his path.

However, Elliz remained calm. She dodged each attack with graceful movements, occasionally throwing counterattacks that forced Aldric to defend.

"Your anger is admirable, Aldric," Elliz said with a sardonic smile. "But it's not enough to fight me."

Aldric mobilized all his strength, creating a combination sword and magic attack. "I will kill you, Elliz! I'll prove that I'm better than you!"

Elliz only chuckled. "Prove it, if you can."

Their duel became increasingly fierce, with the power of magic and sword destroying every corner of the castle grounds. However, behind Elliz's smile, there was a bigger plan.

Darius and Edrann watched from a distance. The battle between Elliz and Aldric was so fierce, making the ground tremble and the air filled with gripping magical energy.

Darius suddenly turned around and started walking away.

Edrann, confused, asked, "Where are you going?"

Darius replied without turning around, "doing my job."

Edrann frowned but decided not to interfere. "All right, but not for too long."

Meanwhile, in the center of the battlefield, Aldric continued to attack Elliz with full force. Every swing of his sword brought unstoppable fury, but Elliz maintained her calm demeanor.

"I don't wonder why your father is disappointed," Elliz said in a sarcastic tone, dodging Aldric's attacks with ease. "You can't even fight back against a little girl younger than you~."

Those words were like coals thrown into the fire. Aldric grew angrier, lashing out more wildly. However, in his anger, he left an opening.

Elliz, who was always paying attention, seized the opportunity and counterattacked. But before she could launch a decisive attack, Aldric suddenly muttered, casting a mysterious spell.

Elliz narrowed her eyes, trying to understand what was going on. But before he could retreat, Aldric's body began to change. His hands enlarged, his skin blackened with crack-like patterns, and a powerful demonic aura emanated from him.

With a single crushing blow, Aldric slammed into Elliz, sending her flying away.

"This is... more than I expected," Elliz thought as she tried to get up.

Aldric laughed loudly, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "You see this, Elliz? This is the power of demons! I conspired with them to destroy you! You made me into a monster!"

Elliz tried to protect herself with her Mana Shield, but Aldric's barbaric punch destroyed it easily. She was thrown to the ground, then continued to slam into the ground, her body starting to show signs of exhaustion.

Aldric continued to attack, beating him relentlessly even Elliz's rapier was destroyed. "You will die slowly here, Elliz. You deserve this!"

Elliz lay on the ground, her body crumbling, but her mind remained focused to keep regenerating with Calestial regrowth. "focus... it's not over yet."

Amidst the despair, Darius' telepathic voice rang out. "Everything is ready."

Elliz smiled a little, then laughed loudly.

Aldric stopped, looking at her suspiciously. "Are you out of your mind?"

Elliz slowly raised her hand and activated her ability. "ESSENCE DEVOURER!"

Bright, golden-colored magic ropes shot out from her body, spreading throughout the battlefield. In an instant, an aura of golden light grew as Elliz absorbed the essence of all the corpses of the soldiers scattered across the battlefield.

Darius, who had collected all the corpses as ordered, looked at the scene calmly. "I didn't expect it to be this crazy...."

Elliz's body fully recovered, her strength greatly increased. Her golden aura exploded, covering the battlefield with a gripping energy.

"Hahahahaha! Finally revived!" exclaimed Elliz, her voice filled with power and arrogance.

Aldric stared in horror. "What... what are you doing?!"

Elliz looked at him with a cold smile. "You want to see a monster, Aldric? Very well. I'll show you what a real monster is."

Her golden aura that enveloped Elliz turned into a long sword that shimmered with magic energy. The Devine Sword Aura looked like a smoldering sword of light, emitting destructive power that shook the battlefield.

Elliz looked at Aldric with a sadistic smile. "Time for round two...~"

Aldric, who was still consumed by his anger and demonic power, dismissed it as nonsense. With a hateful roar, he ran towards Elliz, swinging his huge demonic hand.

However, before she could get close, Elliz moved faster than she could catch on. In one fell swoop, she cut off Aldric's hand with ease.

"Too slow," Elliz said in a mocking tone.

Aldric cried out in pain, but Elliz didn't give him time to recover. She strengthened her body with Body Reinforcement, jumped up and kicked Aldric with tremendous force. Aldric's body was thrown back, hitting the ground hard.

Before Aldric could get up, Elliz attacked again, slashing his other hand until he fell helplessly.

Elliz stomped on Aldric's body, forcing him to stay on the ground.

Aldric, with his breath catching, cried out in despair. "Why...! I should have won already!!! What kind of power is that?! It makes no sense!!! You! That damn saint and goddess of yours! Why you!?"

Elliz gave him a cold stare, then smiled sarcastically. "Damn Goddess? Oh, you're talking about a shocking fact. She is indeed a bitch~."

Aldric paused, surprised by those words. However, before he could respond, Elliz swung her aura sword, decapitating Aldric with one clean slash.

Aldric's head fell to the ground, and his demonic body slowly transformed back into a human, losing all its power.

Elliz stood in the center of the battlefield, her aura sword disappeared, and she looked at Aldric's corpse with a satisfied look. "You're just another pawn that fell in this game."

Darius stood in the center of the battlefield, surveying the bodies lying around him. He recalled Elliz's order before the war began: "Collect all the corpses of the soldiers. I will show you the gift of light as a Saint."

At that moment, Darius was confused. What were all these corpses collected for? However, he did not ask further. Now, after seeing what happened, his mind was full of questions.

"Saint? Is this really the grace of a Saint? Or is it just destruction wrapped in judgment?"

Beside him, Edrann seemed more relaxed, even cheering, "Woahh! Long live Princess Elliz! Oh, Darius, aren't you cheering?"

Darius just shook his head. "Just ignore me." In his heart, he felt torn between his loyalty and his doubts towards Elliz.

In the distance, Elliz stood proud, raising her fist into the air, as if declaring their victory. The cheers of Laynrad's royal troops and the Phantom Vanguards echoed throughout the battlefield.

However, not all shared that spirit. Kaelan, who was standing far behind, looked at Elliz with a puzzled look. "Is this the path she really chose? But that power... it's too great, too destructive." He chose to save his thoughts for later.

Just as things were starting to settle down, suddenly a knight's voice broke through the noise, "The Ferewyn Royal Army is here!"

All eyes were immediately drawn to the horizon. In the distance, dust was flying, signaling the arrival of a large, fast-moving army.

Elliz lowered her fist, staring at the approaching army. A faint smile appeared on her face. "Good. Time to show true judgment."

The Ferewyn Kingdom's army approached Nevalheim which was now only a shadow of its former glory. At the front of the line, Commander Edrian Valdore stared at the ruins of the city with a solemn expression.

"We're too late..." he muttered under his breath.

However, he quickly regained his composure, raising his voice to give the order, "Alright everyone, we'll begin the attack! They must have lost some strength during this war! It's time we- "

Before he could finish his sentence, a massive explosion hit his troops. Flames and thick smoke engulfed the front lines. Bodies flew, screams rang out from every direction.

Edrian stood in the middle of the chaos, his body staggering. He saw all around him searing flames, his soldiers lying lifeless, and the survivors begging for help.

"What... is happening? What kind of war is this? What kind of enemy are we facing?" he thought, his eyes widening in disbelief.

When the explosions stopped, the shadows of the Phantom Vanguards emerged from the smoke. They moved mercilessly, going through the corpses and finishing off anyone who was still breathing.

Edrian tried to get up, gripping his sword with shaking hands. But before he could strike, a sword pierced his chest from behind. He froze, blood running down the corners of his lips.

As his body fell to the ground, he saw the figure of Elliz walking over, raising her aura sword with a cold smile. That was the last sight he saw before everything went dark.

The Kingdom of Laynrad and the Phantom Vanguards had achieved a crushing victory. In the center of the ruins of Nevalheim, Elliz stood gracefully, holding the flag of the Phantom Vanguards. She stuck the flag into the ground with pride, declaring, "This territory is now ours!"

Cheers echoed from the remaining troops. They praised Elliz, chanting, "Long live Ellizabeth Laynrad!"

Nevalheim's flags were pulled down one by one, and the surviving soldiers were taken prisoner. They were now witnesses to the destruction of their kingdom and the birth of a new power.

Returning home victorious

After the victory, Elliz and her troops were welcomed by the people of Laynrad. In the royal hall, King Alistair Laynrad praised their performance. "You have waged this vendetta perfectly," he said in a proud tone.

Elliz, with a meaningful smile, replied, "Nevalheim has used demonic power. As a Saint, it is my duty to destroy them."

The church bishops present were even more convinced that Elliz was a hero who eradicated evil. King Alistair, impressed by his daughter's courage and vision, gave permission for Elliz's grand plan, building a new kingdom on the ruins of Nevalheim "are you sure...Elliz? You have a big responsibility..."

"I know that...let's just say that your daughter wants to help the kingdom in a different way~, I will name the kingdom Melavonia," Elliz said confidently. Cheers and applause echoed in the hall, marking the beginning of a new era.

After the ceremony was over, in the corridor of the palace, Kaelan was waiting for Elliz with a serious face.

"What power was that, Elliz?" he asked without preamble.

Elliz let out a long breath before answering, "If you mean that, I only pay homage to those who died... and punish the demons."

However, her sardonic smile made Kaelan feel that there was something darker behind her words.

When Kaelan showed his disagreement, Elliz cut in, "Imagine if you were too naive and they had turned into demons like Aldric did. Do you want that to happen?"

Those words left Kaelan speechless. He felt confused, whether his decision to question Elliz was a mistake, or if Elliz's power and ways were too dangerous to accept.

Elliz walked away quietly, leaving Kaelan pensive in the corridor, questioning the morality of this war and what it would do to the future of their kingdom.

Elliz went to the royal church to see the goddess of reincarnation, Goddess Amalthea, the figure who was thought to have given her Saint status.

Elliz closed her eyes, activated and traveled to the realm. She stood there, facing Goddess Amalthea who was visibly disappointed by her actions.

"You crossed the line again," Amalthea said in a cold tone. "What kind of destruction are you making this time? I can't expect anything from you anymore."

Elliz remained calm, with a mocking smile on her face. "Well, that was my decision. I did it my own way. What are you going to do? Kill me?"

Amalthea was getting annoyed, but she restrained herself. "You don't deserve to die by my hand. But I just need to send another hero to kill you."

Elliz chuckled. "Oh, you're going to give them excessive blessings? Or some kind of... cheating power?"

The goddess gave her a sharp look. "Yes, with that power, he'll kill you quickly."

Elliz, in a sarcastic tone, asked, "Why have I never received a blessing from you?"

Amalthea sighed, trying to contain her anger. "You were born into the royal family. A little blessing like intelligence is more than enough for you."

However, Elliz cut her off with a stern voice, "Huh? Blessing? Fool! Everything I do is the result of my own work, without any help. It's true that being born into a royal family gives me advantages, so thank you for that. But just make up your own heroic story, because I'm not a puppet you can control. Just send your damn heroes, and I'll destroy them... while making sure your name is known as the bitch goddess~" she sarcastically pointed a middle finger.

Amalthea was furious, raising her hand to attack, but before she could launch an attack, Elliz had already left the realm.

Elliz opened her eyes in the church, a sardonic smile on her face. She chuckled, then said to herself, "Hero, huh? Well, just come, I'll definitely destroy them~."

Meanwhile, in the spiritual realm, Goddess Amalthea stared blankly at the place where Elliz had been standing. Through gritted teeth, she muttered, "damn Human..."

At night

Lyra woke up at night in a dark room, her body tied to a chair, and her mouth sealed shut. The thick darkness made it difficult to see anything, but the sound of light steps began to approach.

The door opened slowly, and Elliz entered with a cold smile on her face. "Oh? You're awake already? Just in time."

Lyra who was confused and frightened could only stare anxiously.

Elliz walked over, looking at Lyra with sharp yet calm eyes. "I know what you're going to say. There are so many questions in your head, aren't there? Take it easy..." She paused for a moment, then added in a casual tone, "I just want to create a new version of you, By rearranging your brain a bit."

Hearing that, Lyra's face turned deathly pale. She tried to struggle and scream, but in vain.

Elliz leaned in, whispering in a creepy tone, "Take it easy... it won't hurt~."

Before Lyra could react further, everything went dark.

The next day, Edrann was sitting outside, enjoying the morning air, when he saw Lyra walking over.

"Oh? Where have you been all this time?" he asked, his tone of voice full of curiosity.

Lyra, who initially showed a cold expression, soon changed into her usual self, smiling weakly as she sighed. "Sorry, I've had a lot on my plate lately."

Edrann chuckled. "That's odd, want to buy some snacks?"

Lyra thought for a moment before replying in a light tone, "Well, that's fine too."

However, deep inside her, something had changed. Something that was invisible, yet felt so wrong.

To be continued...