Eternal Thief

Chapter 1571: Start of Evernight Trial! (6)

At that moment, figures finally began to emerge from the three flagships of the Abyssal Kings’ Organization.

They did not arrive in a rush, nor did they announce themselves loudly. Instead, they stepped forth with measured confidence, each movement carrying the quiet weight of absolute power.

From the obsidian citadel-ship of Bone Mercenary City, a tall, broad-shouldered demon strode out. His body was clad in layered mercenary armor forged from abyss-forged bone plates and blackened steel, etched with countless battle scars that radiated savage history rather than weakness. A heavy cloak hung from his shoulders, bearing the same crowned abyssal beast sigil.

His face was rough and sharp, with demonic black eyes like tempered iron, cold, calculating, and utterly fearless. Behind him followed several elite commanders, each exuding murderous intent.

From the living ark of Eden Alchemy Abyss, a slender figure stepped forward, clad in robes of molten gold and crimson, swaying unnaturally as if alive. His brown skin bore faint dark alchemical glyphs beneath it, glowing softly like veins of liquid fire frozen mid-flow. Strange glass-like pupils rotated slowly within his emerald eyeballs, as if constantly analyzing everything in sight.

The very air around him shifted, unstable and reactive, as though laws themselves were ingredients in a brewing formula.

Lastly, from the void-black spearhead vessel of Weaponized Mystic Haven, a silent demoness emerged. She wore no extravagant armor, only a fitted black combat coat with silver seam lines that shimmered faintly.

Her presence was sharp, as standing near her made one feel as though invisible blades were brushing against the soul. Her pupil-less gray eyes were calm, devoid of emotion, yet behind that calm lurked something lethal and precise, like a perfectly honed weapon awaiting command.

The moment these three figures appeared, the atmosphere subtly tightened, and those who had been observing felt their hearts palpitate as many of them instantly recognized those three leading their respective entourages.

The main reason behind everyone’s reaction was that all three of them were Half-Abyssal Kings and probably no weaker than the Evernight Dukes present!

The three representatives halted at an appropriate distance before the Duke’s vessels and inclined their heads respectfully.

”This one greets the Evernight Dukes on behalf of Bone Mercenary City,” the armored man spoke, his voice low and steady. ”May the Evernight Trial proceed without disturbance.”

The alchemist followed with a polite bow. ”Eden Alchemy Abyss extends its respect to the Evernight Council.”

The silent woman merely inclined her head slightly, her gaze steady and sharp. ”Weaponized Mystic Haven acknowledges the Evernight Dukes.”

Their words were humble, and their tones were restrained, yet their auras did not yield an inch as they stood firm, equal, and unwavering.

Before anyone else could respond, a light, amused clap echoed through space.

”Oh my, how serious you all look.”

The Enchantress Demon Duchess leaned forward at the prow of her crescent palace, eyes gleaming mischievously as she swept her gaze across the three figures.

”Well, well... if it isn’t Bone Uncle, Potion Darling, and Little Knife Lady.”

The moment those words left her lips, the expressions of the three Half-Abyssal Kings stiffened while the other three Abyssal Dukes pretended not to hear anything.

The ’Bone Uncle’ was none other than the Vice City Lord of the Bone Mercenary City, a very respectful and mighty figure, but when he was called ’Bone Uncle’ by the Enchantress Demon Duchess, his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

The alchemist was also an Eight-Star Abyssal Alchemist, making him one of the three vice presidents of the Eden Alchemy Abyss. Furthermore, he was someone who could remain calm and composed in any situation.

But when he was called ’Potion Darling,’ his rotating pupils paused for a fraction of a second.

As for the silent woman, she was one of the Mystic Grand Lords, a title only given to those within the Weaponized Mystic Haven who were qualified to vie for the position of the Mystic King.

However, even her fingers twitched, ever so slightly, as if she wanted to draw her blade and cut Enchantress Demon Duchess right there and then.

But she seemed to have control of herself, albeit unwillingly, as she knew too well what type of impish existence she was dealing with, just like the others.

Nonetheless, their auras wavered, not from fear, but from discomfort. It was as if the Enchantress Demon Duchess carried something unseen, something that made even beings of their level instinctively keep their distance, like a plague wrapped in silk and laughter.

”...Enchantress Demon Duchess,” the Vice City Lord replied carefully, his voice noticeably more rigid, ”It has been... some time.”

The vice president forced a strained smile. ”Your presence is, as always... radiant.”

Lastly, the woman from Weaponized Mystic Haven, named Octavia, said nothing, but her eyes flicked away for the briefest instant.

Everyone noticed it clearly, as despite being Half-Abyssal Kings and standing equal to Dukes in strength, all three of them seemed reluctant to engage, reluctant to provoke, and reluctant to be too close to her.

”Tsk~ how cold,” she sighed dramatically. ”You’re all no fun anymore.”

The Dread Duchess remained silent, crimson devil mask unmoving, while the Corpse Duke stood like a monument of death, utterly uninterested.

But right at that moment...

”Hmph.”

A sharp, icy scoff cut through the moment as the Yin Duchess stood at the prow of her glacial cathedral ship, her eyes filled with contempt as she looked down on the three representatives.

At some point, her disheveled appearance had been mended, and she seemed to have returned to her arrogant self while clearly keeping her distance from the Dread Duchess.

”So, this is what passes for respect now?” She sneered. ”A pack of outsiders pretending to belong!”

Her voice was sharp, unyielding, and openly disdainful, making the three Half-Abyssal Kings narrow their eyes coldly.

”I have no interest in wasting time exchanging pleasantries,” she declared coldly. ”You may all continue playing politics here if you wish.”

With that, she turned away, and without waiting for permission or seeking acknowledgment, the Yin Duchess raised her hand.

The next moment, her glacial vessel surged forward, carving a frozen path straight toward the Evernight Gate!