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Far away, in another city, Vellok paced restlessly. His agitation was palpable as he muttered to himself, "The seal… Were those gods targeting the seal?"

"But there's been no sign of it being touched or weakened," he continued, frowning. "So her claim about the ratmen's worship shouldn't be possible."

Vellok's frustration grew until his eyes glowed with a golden light. He cast his gaze toward the empire, seeking the emperor. The emperor, sensing Vellok's scrutiny, raised a hand and revealed the seal.

At first glance, the seal appeared intact, but upon closer inspection, a faint crack was visible. The golden light in Vellok's eyes dimmed as he stumbled backward in shock.

"No wonder," he whispered. "Even a crack was enough to provoke the world's response."

Back on the battlefield, Gurnak and Vorenza stood locked in a tense standoff. The Demon Queen, skilled at reading the hearts and minds of others, seemed to know exactly what Gurnak was about to do.