Retired God King becomes Witch Idol Manager

Hoffman was craving a fair fight to the death!

A hundred years ago, this venerable and powerful man might have been willing to sacrifice everything for the liberation of the people, but now, as the guardian knight of the Sandalwood King, he will surely keep his oath and even risk his life to witness the collapse of the corrupt dynasty.

However, this was quite dangerous for Curtis. The Revolutionary Army could not afford to lose a powerful legion commander, and others were nervous but could not easily intervene, as that would be an insult to both sides.

839. The Wise Man Who Went Astray

boom!

In the darkness, it was difficult to see the swift figures of the two apostles. Only the sounds of collision and tearing could be heard from all corners. The gray barrier summoned by the Berserker Princess had just risen when it was dissolved by the breath of darkness. The pressure was not small.

Even with the dual-elemental fusion of Curtis Earth and Wind Whisper, they couldn't gain the slightest advantage in this battle. The Black Tide, like a shadow, devoured everything, suppressing the Berserker Princess and keeping her on the defensive. Hoffman's strength was exceptionally formidable, without any exaggeration.

Another deafening roar shook the ground as the battle axe and greatsword clashed, locked in a stalemate in the middle of the mechanical pyramid. The gloomy flames and the gray storm sparked intense fire, illuminating the dark space.

"A waste of time."

Suddenly, someone spoke from behind Heloise. The familiar metallic scraping sound was particularly jarring. A dark figure sliced ​​through the crack and entered the battlefield. It was the Black Knight carrying an exaggerated greatsword. Invincible seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. Wielding the Annihilation Flame, he sped across the sky and struck Hoffman's back with precision. The sharp weapon of unknown origin easily tore through the Saint-rank magic armor that the Purple Sandalwood Guardian Knight was so proud of!

"Well!?"

Hoffman's eyes were filled with disbelief. Suddenly struck by a heavy blow, he was exhausted and could no longer resist the battle axe in front of him. Curtis also had no time to stop and could only watch helplessly as the giant axe deflected the greatsword and cleaved into Hoffman's chest.

The fatal wound caused Hoffman's vision to go black, blood gushing out, and he staggered and knelt in Curtis's arms. His back was almost shattered by the invincible giant blade, and his chest was pierced by the giant axe. Even the strongest body could not withstand it. Unless the Lightbringer was here, there was no chance of survival.

"Why?"

Those eyes, gradually dimming, were filled with anger and pain. They struggled to turn back, but ultimately received no answer. In just a few seconds, they dimmed and died, falling into the arms of the soul ferryman.

Hoffman was not afraid of death, but he did not want to die in such a humiliating way, even if his last wish was not fulfilled. What he wanted was nothing more than a thrilling battle, to set aside his position and identity, and to fight a fair duel with each of them carrying their own mission.

"........"

Confusion and bewilderment brewed in the darkness, and everyone fell silent.

This battle was utterly dishonorable. Even Heloise was shocked by the Black Knight's decisiveness. It would be difficult for even the witch to defeat Hoffman head-on with just this puppet stripped of divine authority. The moment just now was indeed the best opportunity, but they were somewhat surprised. No one expected Nolan to use such a despicable method to cross this threshold.

The Black Knight sheathed his greatsword, didn't even glance at Hoffman, and turned to leave. "If you want to die, why drag others down with you? Foolish chivalry, just as boring as that dead man."

Heroine's hands trembled slightly. As one of the few who knew the truth, she instantly understood who the "invincible" person was referring to. Hoffman's arrogance was not a reason for his tragic end. Perhaps Nolan simply saw Roland's shadow in Hoffman, which only fueled his disgust. The fearless hero in the eyes of the world had repeatedly chosen righteousness over his wife and daughters in his pursuit of chivalry. From an outsider's perspective, it was difficult for the Crimson King to judge right and wrong—whether it was protecting his family or upholding his honor.

Lord Blue Shield shared the same sentiment. You Li could understand Alicia and Nolan's anger, but she could never deny everything Roland had done for the Holy Alliance; without him, there would be no Great Revolution. However, mortal power is ultimately limited; to gain something, one must pay an equal price. That man had given everything for humanity, including his life.

"No...you!"

Curtis, covered in Hoffman's blood, was momentarily stunned. In just a few seconds, a respectable and powerful man had ended his life, his past and future gone forever. After the shock, the Berserker roared in fury, abandoning Hoffman's corpse and rushing towards Invincible.

The two tumbled down the pyramid, wrestling, and crashed heavily against the mechanical door. Curtis, with Invincible's neck clamped in his hand, straddled her and demanded, "I don't need your help! Why did you do this?!"

Hoffman is very strong. Although he doesn't have the Mark, he possesses a runic artifact crafted by Master of Joy. He is almost the strongest human that the witch has ever seen under the ban of the gods. Curtis will undoubtedly lose, but Hoffman will also win with great difficulty. They will die together, and such a scene is not interesting at all.

Invincible gripped Curtis's strong arm and slowly rose to his feet. Two beams of annihilation fire flickered inside his helmet, signifying that the witch's true vision was observing them. "You will lose, and you will die."

"Even if that's the case, it's none of your business! You can defeat him fair and square!"

"He came with a death wish, which will inevitably waste a lot of time. Besides, I don't have many hobbies, except that I like to trample on the glory of others, so... you're welcome."

Invincible pried Curtis's hands off, picked up the terrifying, nameless giant blade, and pierced the door crack. Boundless power surged from his body, and with a "crack," he pried open the pyramid door!

Nolan couldn't understand Hoffman's final wish, just as she couldn't understand Roland's madness and cold-bloodedness. In their eyes, nothing was more important than their own mission, and they were willing to sacrifice everything to achieve a false sense of self-satisfaction. In that case, their utterly boring glory was worthless to the beautiful goddess king.

Curtis was furious, and Locke Ryan quickly stepped in front of her, sighing, "There's no time to argue. Every second, innocent people are falling in the Azure Province. Revolution is always accompanied by sacrifice. Don't let Lord Hoffman die in vain. He knows he will die today. Let us hear Duke Hedor's terms. He should be prepared."

Invincible forcefully opened the sealed door of the mechanical pyramid, and intense energy pulses converged there, sparking dazzling sparks on the black armor. Then the entire pyramid hummed for a moment and fell silent.

"How barbaric! But you arrived much faster than I expected. I thought Hoffman's power would at least cause you some trouble."

A melodious voice came from inside the door, indicating that the Sandalwood King was not busy in his workshop. Someone clapped lightly, and suddenly a flash appeared above everyone's heads as a dense array of magic crystal lamps activated, illuminating the underground world.

Lockrean bypassed the Invincible and stepped into the pyramid without hesitation. He did not believe it was a trap, but rather a signal that the Sandalwood King had completely given up resistance.

"We came with sincerity, but we didn't expect to be met with a battle. Things didn't have to develop to this point."

Apart from the timid Duke Garlu, the others followed closely behind His Highness the Holy Son. Sariel was stunned as soon as he stepped through the gate. This place was more like a museum. The interior of the hall was filled with the most advanced magic crystal mechanical technology. The arcane screen reflected overhead could clearly capture every corner of Avalon. Through the glass walls, one could see the intricate gears inside the walls turning incessantly. The entire defensive matrix of the Sun City was under Hedor's feet.

840. Blood Trade

Apart from the timid Duke Garlu, the others followed closely behind His Highness the Holy Son. Sariel was stunned as soon as he stepped through the gate. This place was more like a museum. The interior of the hall was filled with the most advanced magic crystal mechanical technology. The arcane screen reflected overhead could clearly capture every corner of Avalon. Through the glass walls, one could see the intricate gears inside the walls turning incessantly. The entire defensive matrix of the Sun City was under Hedor's feet.

The Crimson Lotus King and the Blue Shield King discovered that there was not only the Purple Sandalwood King inside, but also a young man with a complicated expression. You Li remembered that it was Prince Qi Ke, and He Duo remembered that it was his youngest son, who came from a poor background. Even though he was exceptionally talented, he was the most humble among the heirs and had no chance of inheriting the throne.

“It’s necessary, absolutely necessary. If Hoffman doesn’t die, I won’t die either. If I don’t die, the Holy Alliance will never be liberated. Don’t you think it’s necessary?”

Wearing pajamas, Hedo wandered around the palace like a sleepwalker, his body thin and aged, as if he hadn't slept for days and nights. Prince Chik followed silently behind his father without saying a word.

Selene and Heloise exchanged a glance, their eyes flickering. Hedo was clearly hinting at something, while Locke Ryan revealed a strange smile.

“Now that you’ve come in, Hoffman must be dead. He was my guardian knight, and he was bound to leave before me.”

Hedo chuckled self-deprecatingly, ignoring everyone else, and muttered to himself, "You say things didn't have to escalate to this point? Ha, don't pretend in front of me, kid! Survival of the fittest is the oldest truth in this world. Whether in the mortal realm or the divine court, what we do is nothing more than a clumsy imitation of the gods."

"Father..."

Chick's eyes reddened slightly, as if he had foreseen something, and he couldn't help but speak, but was angrily rebuked by Herdor.

"Shut up and open your eyes wide. This is the way of the king! The weak are born to serve the strong. If you don't want to accept this fate, you must rebel and become the new strong to dominate others. Your Highness, and Your Majesty Heroine and Your Majesty Youli, don't tell me that if I join the revolutionary army today, you will let me go in the future. The Trident Merchant Guild is a piece of fat meat that you can't bear to part with."

Locke Ryan smiled noncommittally. The Revolutionary Army's victory was not substantial enough to be shared with others. Queen Louise was well aware of this. If the round table meeting went through all that trouble only to return to the same place, what difference would there be between it and the past?

"The Dragon Tide has ushered in a new era. I must admit that the Holy Alliance of the past could not compete with the great powers. To survive, we must be reborn from the ashes. You are right. Humanity needs this reunion, but there is no place for me on this ship."

Just like Hedo's current situation, he was the former ruler of the Holy Alliance's underworld, and the Sandalwood Dynasty symbolizes the dark side of the old era, which will only be burned to ashes by this revolutionary fire.

"I'm glad we've reached an agreement. Tell me your requirements. A shrewd businessman like you must have already prepared conditions that we can't refuse."

Locke Ryan perked up; exchanging ideas with wise men was always so pleasant, and there was no need to waste time.

Only now did the bewildered saintesses realize why Hoffman sought death. It was because the Sandalwood King wanted to benefit the Revolutionary Army, and as a bargaining chip in this deal, he was powerful enough to at least choose to be human and preserve the future of his entire nation, rather than stubbornly defending his position until he turned to ashes.

"The end of an era is always accompanied by the fall of a few meteors. Trident Merchant is involved in too many dirty secrets of the Holy Alliance, and I can't get rid of them. The indignant people may not care now, but one day they will come to settle accounts with me. At that time, disaster will await the Zitan royal family. I need a promise."

He Duo saw things very clearly. The class grudges that had been building up for thousands of years needed an outlet. The Azure King alone could not bear such a heavy burden. If the Holy Alliance was to be united and reborn from the ashes, the malignant disease had to be eradicated. The Purple Sandalwood King represented the cancer of the Trident Merchant Guild. He had to die, but someone else could be reborn and continue the bloodline of the human emperor of their clan.

"he?"

Lockrean looked at Prince Chick and immediately understood what was going on; he was the heir designated by Hador.

The Sandalwood King nodded and continued, “I will fall with the mark of the old era, while he will personally end his father as a king slayer and unconditionally hand over the Trident Merchant Guild’s wealth to the Revolutionary Army. This contract has no written proof and is destined to be known only to those present, but I believe that the Blue Shield King and the Crimson Lotus King will not break their promise.”

"Father!"

Chik spoke again, clenching his fists, but this time Hedor didn't scold him. He simply said dejectedly, "You don't need to be too moved. The blood of the Human Emperor cannot end in my hands. I am a negligent father, a negligent husband, a negligent son, and even more so, a negligent king. I have never fulfilled any responsibility in my life. My parents are estranged from me, my siblings hate me, and even my wife and children fear me. If it weren't for your mother, a prostitute born in a flea-infested den, who looks somewhat like me..."

Hedo was silent for a moment, then said, "Chik comes from a humble background and has always been ostracized by the upper class. Everyone knows this. He is the most suitable person to take over the newly established Zitan Dynasty."

"Of course. Chick's background is very clean, and his prestigious family background at the Rhine Holy Martial Academy is recognized by many soldiers. We will publicly declare that he is one of the first revolutionary leaders to take a secret oath."

Youli's pupils contracted slightly as she gave Heduo the most solemn assurance: Master Huanxin had long foreseen the ending and thus left behind a mixed-blood heir who could gain the approval of the common people. If that was the case, then his foresight was astonishing.

Thus, the brutal deal of the change of royal power was basically finalized. Heloise's eyes burned with excitement. The Trident Merchant Guild had relied on the royal power for hundreds of years and sucked the marrow from the people's bones. The wealth it had accumulated would be an astronomical figure. Even she couldn't help but get excited, let alone the several Holy War Maidens.

Lord Zitan had no choice, and his spoils would become the capital for the Holy Alliance to set sail and completely solve all the problems currently troubling the Legion!

“Very well, everything you want is hidden inside the pyramid. I have already revoked all permissions, and Chick will help you. My requirements are simple: he must have a place at the Round Table. Otherwise, even if I die, I will find a way to make you pay the price. Alright... let's do it.”

Hedo suddenly stopped and turned to look back at the crowd. He seemed a little disappointed that he couldn't find a familiar silver figure among them. Then he looked at the underground workshop he had painstakingly built, his eyes filled with fascination. Power and wealth were nothing but a childish game, boring and meaningless. Only when he deciphered the runes left by the gods did he feel truly alive.

841. The War Song of the Kingslayer

Hedo suddenly stopped and turned to look back at the crowd. He seemed a little disappointed that he couldn't find a familiar silver figure among them. Then he looked at the underground workshop he had painstakingly built, his eyes filled with fascination. Power and wealth were nothing but a childish game, boring and meaningless. Only when he deciphered the runes left by the gods did he feel truly alive.

There was once a magical girl who entered his reclusive world, making him pursue her madly at all costs, but unfortunately, the clumsy bookworm was no match for the handsome knight.

"Thank you for teaching us a lesson."

Archbishop Celimoni took a deep breath, stepped back a few paces, and respectfully bowed to the desolate figure of the Prince of Zitan.

This bloody transaction may be sordid, but it will serve as an inspiring battle cry and a devastating blow to the Azure King. The outside world will only know that Prince Chik murdered his father to seize the throne and liberate the Zitan Dynasty, adding fuel to the flame of liberation. An unstoppable revolution is sweeping through the Holy Alliance.

At this moment, the genius boy, who should have been burdened with a heavy mission, lowered his head. His sword was hanging at his waist, but he hesitated to make a move. Even though the throne of power and a glorious future were within reach, and although he had already stepped into the realm of saints, he was still just a student who had not yet graduated and was swallowed up by the flames of war.

"What, you don't even dare to kill a weak old man? Useless! If I had known this would happen, I should have shot you against the wall. I didn't even bother to look at your bitch mother when she died... Ugh!"

He Duo cursed, but his gaze was incredibly gentle. The next second, he looked down in astonishment at the dagger protruding from his chest. A chill ran through his body, and he collapsed after a while.

"We will forever remember your sacrifice!"

Sariel covered her mouth, unable to believe what she was seeing. Youli also turned her head away. Curtis stared blankly at the calm-looking Holy Prince.

Lockrean drew his dagger, giving the old duke a quick death. He then slowly walked up to Chick, placed the bloodstained dagger in the boy's hand, bowed, and paid his highest respects—a gesture Hedor had earned in return.

"Your Majesty, welcome to the revolutionary army."

Clang!

The dagger fell to the ground. Chick, pale-faced, retreated in fear, tears streaming down his face. He threw himself into Hedo's arms and wept bitterly. The old duke could no longer feel the cries from the outside world. Another cold world was swallowing him up. In his daze, he seemed to see a pair of bright red eyes in the darkness. He opened his mouth and smiled, as if he wanted to say something.

"Please accept our condolences, but we have more important things to do. The soldiers and the people must never see the new king's tears. Duke Hedo has been personally beheaded by you as an evil traitor!"

Lockrean squinted and frowned slightly. It was a pity that Prince Chik was not a suitable candidate for the throne. However, if he could not handle it, his performance would not be satisfactory. He had to parade Hedor's corpse through the Sun City to tell all the human allies the fate of the stubborn remnants.

Out of a slight fondness for Master Joy, and having foreseen Hoffman's intentions, the Chaos Knight remained hidden within the rift, not revealing herself. She also sensed something, looking up at the dome of the hall, but found nothing.

The mechanical pyramid holds secrets unknown to the Trident Merchant Guild, and the scene is unlikely to be pleasant. These are left to Lord Red Lotus and Lord Blue Shield to handle. His Highness the Holy Son's task is to use Hedo's corpse to completely dismantle the corrupt Holy Alliance and to support a new leader to sit at the round table.

Back on the ground, the saintesses had different expressions and remained silent. Such a short time felt like an eternity.

The upper districts of the Sunlit Royal City have been occupied by excited human soldiers, and the streets and alleys are bustling with activity. Fortunately, revolutionary army officers are maintaining order, preventing a new riot from breaking out. They will never know what happened in this ancient city, nor do they need to know. They only need to celebrate yet another victory without the flames of war.

Just as Lockrean was about to proceed to the Septian Cathedral to administer the sacrament, an urgent call came from the sky. A girl in a red hat came rushing over on a magic carpet. Panini had been searching for them, her small face anxious and tense, her words incoherent, as if she had brought an urgent battle report.

"Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"

"what happened?"

Panini buried her face in Curtis's arms, her face flushed red, and she gesticulated wildly, unable to utter a coherent sentence for a long time.