Struggling as a Villain

The end of every existence. Every being in existence has to meet their end at one point. Whether living or not, whether mortal or not. Every entity at one point, reaches the conclusion of their life.

Zulcriz was that end. He was the inevitable end of every being and pouring that concept as a Spell, Richard was about to launch it at Ithryx.

The Abyssal Verdict, which can cause the ultimate demise of the Demon General.

Ithryx had no idea that Zulcriz had given the brat control over that spell as well. As such, when the strongest General realized what he was getting targeted with, he surrendered.

"You are seriously giving up now?" Richard asked as he got back on the surface and released his hold from the spell.

Ithryx, still on the ground, nodded,

[I protect my dignity, but do not make foolish decisions to uphold it.]

Richard was aware of what that spell could have done, that's why he could understand Ithryx's stance.

He didn't want to rely on that spell so soon. However, their battle was elevating to that degree that would have left permanent marks on Earth. Worse, the planet might have gotten obliterated if Ithryx had went all out.

[I, the Demon General Ithryx, the ruler of three worlds, accept my defeat.] He formally stated.

Richard heaved a sigh and allowed his flames to dissipate.

"Your rule over Earth ends now and removes your control over your apostle as well. That's the price you need to pay for defying me." Richard spoke, feeling a bit embarrassed but it was necessary.

Ithryx lowered his head and accepted,

[As someone who has faced defeat, I accept your command.]

Rena's body glowed, the marking of Ithryx's curse disappearing from her body.

Bellarine and the others have already walked to stand behind Richard as they hear him saying,

"You are only spared because Zulcriz hopes your participation in the war. I hope you won't break his trust."

Ithryx momentarily flinched. He couldn't believe that even after failing his Lord so many times, he still had faith in him.

Ithryx slowly nodded as he uttered,

[Farewell, warrior.]

And with that, the strongest Demon General disappeared from the face of Earth.

"Baby!" Bellarine exclaimed as she found her baby falling back, as she hurried towards him and held him.

"Brother, are you okay?!" Bella asked, with evident concern and panic in her voice.

Richard's eyes were half closed, however, no one could see any damage from earlier, anymore. That means he was, most likely, not injured.

And as they thought, "I am fine...just exhausted." He assured them.

Glancing at Rena, Richard uttered, "Can someone feed my blood to her?"

Lilia stepped forward, "As you command, my Lord."

She took out a vial, and very carefully pricked his finger. Dropping a few crimson droplets in the vial, she was about to step towards Rena, when suddenly,

*TREMBLE*

A huge amount of mana was felt from the destroyed headquarters. Every eye turned towards the center of the disturbance, as Richard frowned.

His heightened perception allowed him to pry through the dust and gaze at the being who was releasing such intense magic.

"No!" He exclaimed as he instantly pushed himself up; intending to stop the being.

However, it was too late.

**SWIISSH**

A massive circular portal materialized, its edges glowing with an eerie, golden hue tinged with flickering black veins. Inside the portal, swirling mists of crimson and deep violet churned like a violent storm, emitting bursts of faint, otherworldly whispers. Explore more at empire

Richard gritted his teeth as he found the one who activated the teleportation portal, now completely eradicated because of mana exhaustion. However, that clone has successfully fulfilled its role.

"Huh?!"

"They are..."

"Shit!"

Suddenly, people began shooting out of the portal, some soaring high in the sky, and some were pacing away from the portal to surround these few individuals.

These warriors wore uniforms of white and gold and held spears in their hands. Their presence was commanding and sent a shiver down everyone's spine.

Soldiers continued to pour out of the portal, and they didn't stop until the whole group was surrounded by three hundred soldiers.

Bellarine frowned upon seeing the black dragon hovering in the air and acting like a surveillance to keep an eye on the people.

Without receiving a single attack from them Lena could tell that they were strong.

Richard silently watched them coming until a certain figure appeared from the other side, "Hello, Richard. Long time."

The violet-haired girl greeted the redhead with not even a trace of a smile on her face.

"Eleanor...why did I not expect this..." The Clone was working here for Jin and he helped Eleanor cross the bridge.

With a mocking smile, Richard said, "So you are now taking the help of that creature who nearly killed your beloved, eh?"

Eleanor's brows raised, "That inhumane junk? Well, it wasn't that thing that endangered Ethan's life and until someone is of my use, I can tolerate their presence."

Richard clenched his fist. This was...problematic.

He was exhausted and on the verge of fainting. Although there were a few strong warriors on his side, these three hundred soldiers would surely be too much for them.

'This is the worst time to be cornered...' Richard gritted his teeth as he thought of the possible route to escape from this predicament.

However, suddenly, "Your life is not in your or my hands today, Richard. So don't worry."

Suddenly, a certain silver head appeared from the other side of the portal, making Richard'd eyes widened.

"Today, Ethan would decide whether he wants to save you by taking the oath of loyalty or continue his resistance, and let you all die."

There were tears in Ethan's eyes as he heard Eleanor's whisper, "Choose wisely, Ethan~"

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A/N:- I want to know, that if there is someone who still likes Eleanor. Well, she...is ruthless. Drop a comment and let me know if you are enjoying the story so far.