Blackridge's Final Move

Chapter 88 — Blackridge's Final Move

Aether didn't activate the sixth key.

Not yet.

Elara had joined them, but he still didn't completely trust her.

That was reasonable.

She carried something capable of affecting the entire continent.

They moved deeper into the Crown Region.

The tunnels became wider.

Ancient structures appeared on both sides.

Evelyn remained unusually quiet.

Eventually, Aether asked:

"What did Elara mean when she mentioned your family?"

Evelyn looked at him.

"My ancestors were guardians of the formation."

"Guardians?"

"They were supposed to prevent anyone from controlling all six keys."

Aether raised an eyebrow.

"And yet you know how to use them."

"Because my family failed."

Evelyn looked forward.

"Generations ago, someone tried to activate the formation."

"What happened?"

"The Crown Region was destroyed."

Aether's expression became serious.

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"How many died?"

"We don't know."

Evelyn's voice became quieter.

"But the region was abandoned afterward."

Before Aether could respond—

a horn sounded.

BOOOOM!

Blackridge.

Hundreds of soldiers appeared ahead.

At their center stood a man in black armor.

His cultivation was Stage 8.

Potential A.

But unlike the previous Blackridge leaders—

this man wasn't alone.

Three Stage 7 experts stood beside him.

The man smiled.

"Five keys."

Aether's eyes became cold.

"You've been following us."

"Of course."

He looked toward Elara.

"And now you have the sixth."

Elara stepped backward.

The Blackridge leader raised his hand.

"Take them."

The soldiers charged.

Aether moved first.

His weapon cut through the first attacker.

Lyra and Aria moved with him.

Seris protected Elara.

Sylvara activated the Verdant Key.

Green energy formed a barrier.

Evelyn attacked the three Stage 7 experts.

The battlefield exploded.

Aether faced the Blackridge leader.

Their weapons collided.

BOOM!

The man's strength was enormous.

Aether was pushed backward.

The man laughed.

"You're only Stage 6."

Aether smiled.

"For now."

The enemy attacked again.

Aether used Shadow Step.

He appeared behind him.

The man blocked.

Aether attacked again.

The battle continued.

Neither gained a decisive advantage.

Then the Blackridge leader suddenly looked toward Elara.

"Forget him."

He extended his hand.

A black chain shot toward her.

Seris blocked it.

The chain wrapped around her arm.

Seris grimaced.

Aether's expression changed.

He moved instantly.

His weapon severed the chain.

Seris stepped backward.

"I'm fine."

Aether nodded.

Then he looked at the Blackridge leader.

His eyes were completely cold.

"You made a mistake."

The leader smiled.

"What mistake?"

"You touched someone under my protection."

Aether's Origin Energy erupted.

The battlefield seemed to freeze.

He attacked.

The leader blocked.

Aether struck again.

Then again.

The enemy's defense began breaking.

Lyra shouted.

"Aether!"

He didn't answer.

His attacks became faster.

The leader finally staggered.

Aether appeared directly in front of him.

The man's eyes widened.

"Wait—"

Aether's weapon pierced through his chest.

The leader collapsed.

Aether pulled his weapon free.

He looked toward the remaining Blackridge warriors.

"Leave."

They ran.

The three Stage 7 experts attempted to flee.

Aether looked at them.

They were no longer attacking.

He let them go.

Evelyn stared at him.

"You really are ruthless."

Aether cleaned his weapon.

"Only when necessary."

Elara looked at him carefully.

"That's why the formation chose you."

Aether looked at her.

"I didn't ask it to."

She smiled.

"Maybe that's exactly why."