NOVEL NEXT Chapter 370: Retreat Order
The Beastman Supreme frowned, his claws flexing as he stared at Savra and Velra.
"Do you really think you can just tell us to leave? There are only two of you, and many of us."
"Don't think that by defeating these four, you can defeat everyone here."
The Hero Supreme stepped forward, his shield glowing faintly with golden ether.
"He's right. This stronghold was built to guard against the Core Area."
"Everyone stationed here is Supreme rank. You may be strong, but numbers matter."
Velra only rolled her eyes and twirled her whip lazily, her smirk never fading.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Supremes, Supremes, Supremes. These four were Supremes too, weren't they? And yet…"
She pointed at the unconscious elites lying on the ground.
"They were easily defeated by us. Don't fool yourselves into thinking numbers will save you."
Savra crossed her arms, flames flickering faintly around her body. She stepped closer, her eyes sharp.
"And besides… do you really think it's only the two of us here?"
The Supremes frowned at her words.
Savra smirked, her voice growing colder."We are a sect. The Heavenly Demon Sect."
"And right now, we already have more members inside the Core. Strong ones. Loyal ones."
"So think carefully… do you really want to fight us here and risk breaking your Alliance apart?"
The four Supremes exchanged glances.
The Beastman growled under his breath, but said nothing.
The Mage gripped her staff tightly, her eyes narrowing.
The Hero's shield lowered slightly.
Finally, the Cultivator Supreme sighed, his tone calm but firm.
"Very well. Then this Devil Nest will be your territory. We will withdraw from this place."
Savra smirked, crimson fire burning faintly in her eyes. "Good. That's the right decision."
But the Cultivator Supreme raised a finger, his gaze steady.
"But, remember this. We give you the Devil Nest. If you leave its borders and interfere outside…"
He paused, his lips curling into a cold smirk. "…then you will face the Alliance's full might."
With that, the four Supremes turned and walked back toward the stronghold.
The gates rumbled shut behind them, leaving silence in their wake.
Velra flicked her whip with a grin. "Heh. Did you hear that? They're scared."
"They'll bark from behind their walls, but they won't dare bite."
Savra chuckled softly, flames dancing at her fingertips. "Let them bark."
"What matters is this… the Devil Nest now belongs to us."
The two demons stood proudly before the stronghold, their smirks showing victory.
---
The four Supremes returned to the stronghold hall.
Their faces were grim, and their auras heavy.
All the officers and lesser Supremes stood waiting, hoping to hear that the fight had gone well.
But the Hero Supreme spoke firmly. "Pack up. It's time to leave this Devil Nest."
The officers froze in shock.
"Leave… the Devil Nest?" one of them asked, his face pale.
The Beastman Supreme growled and waved his clawed hand. "Not just here."
"Send word to the strongholds in the Inner Area and the Outer Area. They are to withdraw at once."
The Mage Supreme tapped her staff, her voice cold.
"And prepare to build a great wall, just outside the Outer Area. That will be the new line we defend."
Murmurs broke out among the gathered Supremes.
Some looked at one another in disbelief.
One finally spoke up, his tone uncertain. "But this is the most dangerous place in the world."
"We were stationed here to oversee it. If we leave… what will happen to the Core?"
The Hero Supreme's jaw tightened. "We no longer hold the Core. A new force has claimed it."
The hall erupted in confusion. "A new force?!"
"Impossible! How could anyone survive the ether of the Nest?"
The Cultivator Supreme raised his hand, silencing them. His eyes were calm but sharp.
"It is true. There is a sect inside the Devil Nest now. They call themselves the Heavenly Demon Sect."
"They can use what we cannot, which was the corrosive ether itself. That is why they thrive where we cannot."
The room went silent. Shock rippled across every face.
One of the Supremes from the inner garrison stammered.
"That ether destroys everything it touches. How… how can they use it?"
The Mage Supreme frowned. "That we do not know."
"But we saw it with our own eyes. Their flames, their power… it was real."
The Beastman Supreme slammed his fist against the wall.
"But don't think this means they've won. That ether is too corrosive."
"Even if they can use it, their bodies will fail in time. I doubt they can last long."
The Hero Supreme stood tall, his voice like steel.
"Which is why we fall back. Build the wall. Watch the Devil Nest closely. And remember this—"
His eyes narrowed. "If anyone dares to leave the Devil Nest, kill them. No questions. No mercy."
The Cultivator Supreme added in a low voice.
"They may have claimed the Core, but they will pay for their arrogance soon enough."
The hall was filled with silence again. Orders were given. Troops began to move.
The Alliance was retreating, yet at the same time, they were sharpening their blades for the day they would strike back.
---
Velra and Savra soon returned to the Core Area, their steps light with satisfaction.
When they reached the sect walls, they both paused.
All around the outer barricades, countless devils roamed, snarling and pacing like restless beasts.
The tamed ones acted as living walls, their massive bodies forming a ring of defense.
Savra smirked, folding her arms as crimson flames flickered faintly at her fingertips.
"They've grown fast. Look at them, already stronger than when we first came here."
Velra rested her whip against her shoulder and leaned forward with a grin.
"Mhm. Our little pets are thriving. They'll make fine guards for the sect… and fine meals too."
She flicked her whip toward a group of devil beasts that were larger than the rest.
"Let's pick a few. Time to cook something special."
Savra's smirk widened, her red eyes burning with confidence.
"A feast, then? Perfect. We should celebrate properly. The Devil Nest is officially ours."
Velra laughed lightly, brushing her long hair back as violet ether shimmered faintly around her.
"Then tonight we eat well, drink well, and remind everyone who rules this place."
The two demons exchanged a knowing glance, their smirks matching.