Chapter 392


    Ten towering statues of the Kings were erected outside the outer walls of the city, each upying a


    different direction, while five were positioned outside the inner walls, and three stood sentinel within


    the city''s Keep. They returned to silence, appearing as mere statues, yet they were crafted with


    such lifelike detail and divine skill that they seemed to breathe. Standing tall and dignified, their


    gazes stretched into the distance, guarding the ancient city.


    The citizens of Stormcast gathered at the feet of these statues, kneeling in prayer, giving thanks for


    their divine intervention in the final moments, and beseeching their continued protection over


    Stormcast. Though the ancient cityy in ruins, with only a third still intact, the people felt an


    unprecedented sense of safety. No longer would they worry or fear; from this day forward, they


    could live their lives in peace, free from oppression.


    The Grand Elder had fallen into despair, abandoning all futile struggles, and allowed the statues to


    dominate him. "Kill me! I have nothing more to say!" he dered.


    At this point, there was little left to discuss.


    vin''s gaze was icy as he looked upon the Grand Elder, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You think


    death will absolve you of everything? It won''t be that easy!"


    "You expect an apology? Save it! You were just luckier than me, nothing more!" The Grand Elder


    turned his head away, refusing to look at vin. He had no regrets for his actions. It was simply a


    case of the victor and the vanquished.


    "An apology, and even your death, would not quench the hatred in my heart," vin signaled to the


    statues.


    Soon after...


    The statues forced the Grand Elder to kneel before the graves of vin''s parents, and petrification


    started from his legs up, rapidly spreading through his entire body. He struggled in anger. To kneel,


    to bow—this was a fate worse than death. "You bastard, end it swiftly! Don''t humiliate me like this."


    "Swiftly? You''re not worthy of that!" vin grabbed his hair, forcing him to look up at the dull night


    sky. "Did you ever think this day woulde? As good begets good, evil reaps its punishment.


    Look up and see. The heavens spare no one! From today forth, you will kneel before my parents''


    graves, before the Keep of Stormcast, and atone for your sins with an eternity of penance!"


    The Grand Elder''s body was already half petrified, losing both his sensation and magic as the stony


    seal spread across him like a spider''s web. "vin! I admit defeat. Grant me a swift end!"


    He was the mighty Grand Elder, who, even in this state, maintained his pride. How could he bear


    such humiliation?


    The disgrace was unbearable!


    "Are you in fear now? I should let all of the Organization’s Protégés witness your current


    expression!”


    “vin… you bastard..."


    vinughed, though tears blurred his vision. "Father, mother, look who kneels before you!"


    Many gathered inside and outside the courtyard, yet in that moment, silence reigned. No one


    stepped forward to intervene, as such a man deserved his fate. They all felt an inexplicable sorrow


    listening to vin''sughter; he had endured so much for nine long years. Who could understand


    the bitterness in his heart or the pressure he faced? They had seen his transformation, but who


    could’ve known the darkness he had withstood within his cocoon?Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The Grand Elder''s expression twisted in pain and fury, no longer able to remainposed. "Don''t


    be too pleased with yourself," he warned. "You think intimidating the Nortnds will secure the


    Kings'' eptance? Na?ve. Beyond the skies, there''s a Royal Realm. The death of an Elder from


    the Blessed Citadel will not go unanswered. Your arrogance will be short-lived."


    "With your pitiful dreams, you will kneel eternally before my parents, atoning for your past atrocities.


    I will erect a statue of you at Cobalt Strike, kneeling upon the peak of Cobalt Mountain, cursed by all


    of the Organization! Reflect on your life, behold your present, and know that it’s your own madness


    that sealed your legacy of infamy." vin forced the Grand Elder''s head down in a bow to his


    parents.


    "I hate... I despise..." The Grand Elder, in agony, began to scream as the petrification spread like


    venomous snakes, covering his face, creeping into his mouth and nostrils, and surging into his


    organs. His final screams turned to gurgles as his tongue and throat petrified. He struggled to lift his


    head onest time, but vin pressed down firmly. "Father, mother... I have avenged you..."


    With a final crack, the Grand Elder''s form was frozen, kneeling, face contorted, mouth agape, eyes


    wide, entirely turned to stone.


    The Mallister family moved to stand behind vin, silently observing the twin graves. They stood


    with folded arms and teary eyes. Rest now. We shall all live well, forevermore.


    Lucan and the other guards of the Mallister family knelt in turn, paying homage to their Lord and


    Lady. The great vengeance had been fulfilled; it was time for them to rest in peace.


    Onlookers quietly left the yard, leaving the family in solitude. At this moment, outsiders could not


    fathom their grief.