Flora stood resolutely by Enzo''s side, ready to fight alongside him. The two faced the oing wave of Umbra Corps soldiers without a trace of fear.


    A fierce battle erupted once more. Enzo and Flora brandished their weapons, engaging in a desperate struggle against the Umbra Corps soldiers. Their figures danced across the battlefield, weaving a tapestry of swordlight and magic, creating a magnificent spectacle.


    Yet, the number of Umbra Corps was overwhelming, seeming endless. No matter how valiant Enzo and Flora were, they struggled to withstand the surging onught.


    "This cannot continue!" Enzo thought anxiously.


    In that moment, he suddenly recalled the mysterious sword forged by the old cksmith. He swiftly drew the sword, which shimmered with an extraordinary light. Wielding it, he struck at the Umbra Corps soldiers, and wherever the de swept, they fell one after another.


    Enzo eximed with excitement,"This sword is indeed powerful!"


    Flora, too, recognized the sword''s might and unleashed even more potent magic to aid Enzo in his assault on the Umbra Corps soldiers. Under theirbined onught, the soldiers began to falter and retreat.


    However, Jack Dimarco refused to yield. He brandished his longsword, charging fiercely toward Enzo and Flora. His swordsmanship was both sharp and ferocious, each strike imbued with immense power.


    Enzo and Flora were acutely aware of Jack Dimarco''s formidable strength, and dared not show the slightest negligence. They engaged in a fierce battle, their figures darting across the battlefield as des and magic shed, producing thunderous sounds.


    After an intense struggle, Enzo finally discerned a w in Jack Dimarco''s defenses. Seizing the moment, he thrust his sword toward Jack Dimarco''s vital point. Caught off guard, Jack Dimarco was struck, and an excruciating pain surged through him, sapping his strength.


    Jack Dimarco murmured, "I... I can''t believe I''ve lost..."


    He slowly lowered his head, gazing at the gleaming de embedded in his chest, a flicker of despair crossing his eyes. At that moment, he suddenly drew a pistol from his waist and aimed it at his temple.


    "No!" Enzo and Flora eximed in horror.


    Yet, it was toote. With a resounding bang, Jack Dimarco''s head erupted in a spray of blood, his body copsing slowly to the ground.


    Flora said in shock, "He took his own life!"


    Enzo looked down at Jack Dimarco''s lifeless form, his heart a tumult of emotions. Though they were adversaries, Enzo could not help but acknowledge that Jack Dimarco was a worthy opponent.


    Enzo whispered,"It is over..."


    Flora approached him and gently ced her hand on his shoulder. "Yes, it is over. We have triumphed. The Umbra Corps has been utterly vanquished."


    Enzo nodded, yet a glimmer of concern flickered in his eyes. "Although the Umbra Corps has been vanquished, Alfa still requires our unwaveringmitment to its protection."


    Flora smiled reassuringly. "Fear not. With you here, I firmly believe that Alfa will remain safe."


    At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor.


    A soldier rushed in, breathlessly reporting, "Lord Enzo, the leaders of the Temple of the Seven Gods have arrived. They wish to see you."


    Leading Flora toward the reception room.,Enzo replied, "Very well, I shall join them at once."


    In the reception room, the leaders of the Temple of the Seven Gods awaited their arrival.


    Upon seeing Enzo and Flora enter, the assembly rose in greeting.


    "Enzo, you have performed admirably." Commended the leader of the Rage Temple. "Not only have you eradicated the Umbra Corps, but you have also ushered peace to Alfa."


    Enzo humbly responded,"This achievement is the result of our collective efforts. Without the support of all, I could not have aplished such a feat alone."


    "However." The leader of the Wisdom Temple interjected, "despite the fall of the Umbra Corps, Alfa still necessitates our continued vignce. We must devise a more robust defensive framework to shield against future threats."


    "I concur." Enzo nodded in agreement. "We could establish a unified defense system, amalgamating the strength of the Temple of the Seven Gods into a formidable protective."


    The leader of the Envy Temple remarked,"That is amendable idea. We could form a Joint Defense Committee to oversee and coordinate the entire defense system."


    "Who shall preside over thismittee?" inquired the leader of the Lust Temple.


    All eyes turned to Enzo, filled with anticipation.


    Enzo paused momentarily, then replied, "I am willing to take on this role, but I will need everyone''s support and assistance."


    "Then it''s settled."


    The leader of the Greed Temple chuckled,"Enzo, rest assured and proceed boldly. We shall all stand by you."


    After the meeting concluded, Enzo and Flora exited the conference room together.


    The sunlight enveloped them, bestowing a gentle warmth.


    Flora teased,"Enzo, you are now the president of the Joint Defense Committee. How does it feel?"


    Enzo smiled, "Flora, you are well aware of my capabilities. Do you think I would feel any pressure?"


    At that moment, a wave of cheers erupted.


    Enzo and Flora turned towards the sound, witnessing a group of residents from Alfa approaching them.


    They held flowers and ribbons, their faces radiant with joy.


    "Lord Enzo, you are our hero!"


    "Thank you for protecting Alfa!"


    "You are our leader!"


    …


    The residents eagerly offered flowers and ribbons to Enzo and Flora, expressing their heartfelt gratitude.


    Enzo and Flora graciously epted the gifts, bowing in appreciation.


    However, amidst this joyous celebration, a soldier rushed over in haste, eximing, "Lord Enzo, trouble is brewing. The members of the Sloth Temple and the Pride Temple are shing!"


    "What?!" Enzo eximed, his expression turning grave. "How could this happen again? Didn''t they just conclude their judgment?"


    The soldier, filled with urgency, replied, "I''m not sure. Aconflict erupted suddenly outside the temple. They are locked in fiercebat, and our people are desperately trying to mediate, but the situation seems to be deteriorating."


    Enzo furrowed his brow, "These individuals are relentless."


    "We must hurry and intervene. We cannot allow this chaos to continue." Discover stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Upon finishing his words, Enzo hurriedly proceeded to the temple''s exterior with Flora and several warriors.


    The scene before them was a chaotic melee between the followers of the Sloth and Pride temples.


    "Cease this at once! All of you, stand down!" Enzo shouted, striving to restore order.


    Yet, engulfed in their fervor, neither side paid heed to his call. Observing the turmoil, Enzo let out a resigned sigh and turned to Flora, saying, "It appears we must intervene physically to separate them."


    Flora nodded in agreement, and the two swiftly plunged into the fray, endeavoring to pull thebatants apart. After considerable effort, they finally managed to disentangle the brawlers, though the injuries inflicted were irreversible.


    "What madness is this?!" Enzo red at the leaders of both factions. "The trial has scarcely concluded, and already you resort to violence again. Do you seek another judgment?"


    The leader of the Sloth temple snorted dismissively, "They provoked us first. We were merely defending ourselves."


    The Pride temple leader retorted defiantly, "It was you who struck first. Don''t twist the truth!"


    Enzo rubbed his temples in exasperation. "Enough! Cease the bickering. I care not who initiated this conflict.I demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, or I shall not hold back."


    Under Enzo''s authoritative presence, the dispute finally subsided, though the atmosphere remained charged, teetering on the brink of another outbreak.


    With a heavy sigh, Enzo remarked, "It seems we must find a means to resolve your discord once and for all."


    At that moment, a gentle voice floated through the air."Perhaps we could consider a different approach."


    Everyone turned toward the sound to see Matilda and Patricia approaching.


    Their faces were with serene smiles, as if their presence could quell all discord.


    Enzo inquired,"Matilda, Patricia, do you have a suggestion?"


    Matilda nodded thoughtfully, "We believe that the discord between both parties primarily stems from the struggle for resources and the thirst for power. Thus, a fairpetition would resolve these issues."


    Finding Matilda''s perspective quite insightful,Enzo responded, "Please borate."


    Matilda continued, "We could employ a single-elimination tournament format, with eight representatives from both the Sloth and Pride temples drawn into random matchups. Those who triumph will advance, while the defeated will be eliminated. Ultimately, the victor will assume leadership, wielding absolute authority, second only to Enzo."


    Enzo''s eyes glimmered with appreciation, "This notion is indeedmendable. It''s both fair and straightforward, allowing for the swift resolution of conflict."


    Patricia added, "Moreover, we could invite the leaders of the Temple of the Seven Gods and other significant figures as witnesses to ensure the integrity of thepetition."


    Flora nodded in agreement, "This approach not only addresses their discord but also helps avert further conflicts and casualties."


    Upon hearing the proposal, the leaders of the Sloth and Pride temples, albeit somewhat reluctant, recognized it as a viable solution. After all, resolving disputes through force would only exacerbate tensions, while a fair contest could, at least on the surface, uphold peace.


    "Very well, we consent to this proposal." Dered the leader of the Sloth temple.


    The leader of the Pride temple also acquiesced, "We concur, but the timing and location of thepetition must be determined by us."


    Enzocontemted before responding, "Agreed, but the event must take ce under the supervision of the Temple of the Seven Gods to ensure fairness."


    Ultimately, both parties reached an ord, deciding to hold this decisivepetition one week hence at the central square of the Temple of the Seven Gods.