chapter 21 - Chaos Race

At an unknown distance from Jowalin, on land far from the central domain, the earth suddenly trembled.

In the midst of the tremor, a massive, terrifying gray eye opened—so enormous that the surrounding space seemed to shudder. Then, the creature that owned this eye emerged.

It was a giant dragon, the size of a mountain, its terrifying gray scales gleaming ominously. A deep, resonant sound came from the dragon.

"Kill intent?!!... Could it really be?... It has finally appeared!!... Rarara!"

The dragon's laughter echoed like thunder, shaking the very earth around it, causing the nearby dragons to kneel in fear.

Elsewhere, at the edge of the Seven Lands, a fierce battle was raging, filling the air with the cacophony of combat.

Countless creatures and races gathered there, including dragons, wolves, phoenixes, Ashura-like beings, and creatures covered in blue aquatic scales. Among them were four humans whom Jowalin would recognize if he were present.

They were General Nathan, Jack, and Amber—his father and old companions. At that moment, they fought with terrifying strength, battling fiercely.

Suddenly, the creatures around them paused, trembling in shock, as if paralyzed by fear, making it all too easy for the humans to strike them down.

"Hmm?!! What's going on here?!"

Nathan muttered, his usual cold demeanor unshaken.

"What happened to these fools?!... I was about to obliterate them."

Amber's voice still carried her energetic, masculine tone, even in the heat of battle.

"Hehe... Well, this works too. Fewer casualties on our side."

Jack, the giant, chuckled and set his massive axe on the ground with a thud, causing the ground to tremble beneath it.

Meanwhile, General Nathan's gaze was fixed on something else—a force so imposing, so filled with mystery, that it seemed to embody both power and inevitability. His human body was harmonized with the head of a jackal, sharp features illuminated by glowing black opal eyes that reflected the eternal strength of observation.

His skin, a blend of deep gray and black shadows, displayed intricate golden patterns, like the rays of a setting sun.

A luxurious leather cloak enveloped him, swirling with pulsating symbols of life. In his right hand, he held the scales of celestial justice, and in his left, a ritual spear adorned with ancient tattoos. Every motion he made exuded calm dignity, as if he were both the beginning and the end.

It was Anubis, the ancient Egyptian ruler, the hellish dog of death and darkness. He gazed toward the central land, smiling darkly.

"Hahaha... That damned one has finally come. Humph... I thought he'd remain dormant until the world's end."

The General's shock was barely contained, though his face betrayed nothing. Who was this being Anubis awaited—this terrifying entity no one had ever dared to face in battle?

"Hehe, curiosity will be your downfall, huh?"

Anubis, as if sensing the General's curiosity, grinned and spoke.

"Yes, grandfather... Who is this person?"

".... Hahaha, grandfather!... If he hears you, I'll surely die, hahaha..."

The General fell silent, his mind racing. "Well, I won't bother you... He's your son... the one known as the cursed immortal."

"What?..."

Not only was the General shocked, but even Jowalin's old companions were taken aback. Nathan, too, lost his composure for a moment, confusion overtaking him.

"How? H-How is this possible?... He was in a coma before we left. How could he have met you?!"

Nathan's voice trembled with disbelief. Despite the possibility that Jowalin might have woken up before, how could he have encountered someone like Anubis? The others shared the same confusion.

"You should ask him yourself when he comes."

"...."

"Did he cause these creatures to fear so much?!"

"Hehe... Of course, it's him... Well, let me tell you a story from millions of years ago..."

Anubis' tone shifted, growing somber yet filled with pride.

"There was a man who once controlled the Seven Lands we passed through before. But his goal wasn't to control or conquer; he was simply a force none dared challenge."

"He protected the world from shadows, but he never considered himself its protector. When the Chaos Race invaded the Seven Lands..."

"They slaughtered us like cattle. We resisted, but our forces were evenly matched, so the war never ended."

"Their numbers are endless, and their regeneration is terrifying. We lost far more than them until he awoke from his slumber."

"He was furious—not over the war, but because the Chaos Race was a threat to this world. He didn't view himself as a protector; he simply saw them as pests."

"He wiped them all out. Not only that, but he invaded their world and destroyed it. But even then, I'm certain he didn't expect them to return."

"His name was always forbidden among us. We knew him as the cursed immortal, for he possessed an immortal body."

Anubis spoke with pride, and as he did, his battle intent surged to the heavens, overwhelming everyone on the battlefield with a wave of terror.

"Brother... What's happening here... Mom!!!... Are you okay?"

Jowalin regained his senses at the sound of Isis's voice, turning to find his mother trembling violently, struggling to breathe. His face twisted in concern as his murderous intent flared once more, but he immediately calmed himself, rushing to her side.

"Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... Are you okay?!"

Jowalin knelt beside her, gently kissing her leg, furious at himself for scaring her, yet perplexed as to why she was so afraid.

"Get up quickly."

Seren regained her composure, helping Jowalin to his feet.

"You fool of a brother, why did you scare Mom?! I won't talk to you again. Humph..."

Isis puffed her cheeks angrily, which caused Jowalin to grin and pinch her cheek playfully.

"Ah... Let me go. I won't talk to you if you keep doing that. Humph."

Isis's tone was teasing, and Jowalin remained silent, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He bowed politely.

"I deeply apologize to the unparalleled young lady Isis, and I swear never to repeat this mistake."

"Hahaha... Well, I'll forgive you this time."

Isis laughed and kissed Jowalin on the cheek, then grabbed Sara's hand, who was smiling as she watched the interaction, and the two left.

Jowalin's gaze turned to the sky, a new determination in his eyes.

"Those fools from the Heavenly Court will definitely return, and I can sense something foul on this land. There's a rat here."

"But I don't have the power to face these dangers right now."

"You don't have the power?!!..."

Seren asked, her voice filled with disbelief. After all, she had witnessed Jowalin's terrifying strength before, and she was truly surprised by his admission.

"Ah... You mean that time?!... Actually, it wasn't my power. I borrowed the power from this staff."

Jowalin smiled and waved his hand, causing a staff to appear out of nowhere, landing in his grasp.

"If my body wasn't a little stronger, it would've exploded entirely."

Jowalin laughed, but the sight of his body—cracked like porcelain—shocked Seren, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Don't cry. It's really nothing. I'll heal soon. Did you think I'd let those fools get away like that?"

Jowalin spoke in a low growl, referring to the old man earlier. His eyes then softened as he turned to his mother, a sudden smile crossing his face.

"I found it... I will free fate from your lineage. Hahaha... What a genius I am!!!"