Chapter - 2690

Though the Southern King was surprised, he did not ask further but hurried into the palace instead.

The scene that greeted him in the palace, however, shocked him even further.

Less than half of the Legatuses filing on both sides of the palace were familiar faces, while the rest were new.

The thing is, they are not exactly new. They are somewhat familiar as well.

The Southern King glanced up at the throne where his seat was, and a dull ringing filled his cars.

'Northern King! Godd"mn it! How did he appear in the heart of the Southern Faction, and seated atop my throne, at that? No wonder the new faces seemed familiar. They are the Northern Faction Legatuses!'

With a sudden rustle, the Legatuses moved to block the exit.

A sense of despair overcame the Southern King. The possibility of the Southern Faction being occupied by the Northern King finally sunk in.

The Southern King glared at the Northern King through bloodshot eyes. "What is the meaning of this, Northern King?"

"It's like this. After you left today, I noticed signs of a revolt emerging from the Southern Faction and decided that it could not be left without a leader, so I occupied the Southern Faction and became its new master to prevent a mutiny. There's no need to thank me as it's within my duty."

Thank him? He can go to hell! How is he so shameless to occupy my territory behind my back and justify it so pompously?

The Southern King gritted his teeth and glared at the Southern Faction Legatuses who had betrayed him. "And you all! I have never treated you poorly and always saw you as my brothers. I can't believe you would treat me this way. Consider my faith misplaced!"

The Southern Faction Legatuses hastened to explain, "We did not want. to do this, Southern Master, but Northern Master's forces were too overwhelming, against which we did not stand a chance."

"We would have been killed if we resisted. We don't mind dying, but our families..."

"We hope you'll understand, Southern Master."

"Hah! There's barely a scratch on any of you. It must have been an easy decision," Southern King retorted.

The Southern Faction Legatuses were so ashamed that they bowed their heads, as it was true that they had surrendered without much of a fight.

"Would you be willing to fight by my side once more?" The Southern King asked. "We are not much weaker than they if we join forces. Even if we can't beat them, there's a good chance we'll be able to escape. Given our abilities, making a comeback is not impossible."

The Legatuses bowed their heads in shame, indicating they did not wish to fight alongside Southern King.

We can't! Our families have been taken control of by the Northern King, and their lives would be lost if we defied him. Also, the Northern King promised to treat us even better than we were used to if we swore loyalty to him. Even a fool would know what to do.

The Southern King gave a bitter laugh. So be it. I have lost, and poorly, it seems. I did not only lose to Zeke but also to the Northern King. Worst of all, I have lost to cruel reality.

"You now have two choices, Southern King," Northern King proclaimed. "The choice is yours.

"Choice number one: you submit to me, and we'll let bygones be bygones. I will also value and make full use of your abilities.

"Choice number two: resist, and I will kill you. That offer naturally extends to your family.”

The Southern King heaved a deep sigh.

I have no other choice, it seems.

He dropped to a knee before the Northern King. "My sword is yours, Northern Master."

The humiliation he felt almost consumed him, but he managed to suppress it.

The Northern King chuckled. “Very good. You may rise. Let me ask you this, Southern King. Did you launch a crusade against the Centurias?"

The Southern King nodded. "That's right."

"Did the Ten Ruthless Warriors go with you?" Northern King pressed on. "Where are they? Have them come here."