Shadow Slave novel Chapter 3224

Time passed.

Time passed as the world moved along the predictable path.

The gods were distant; the people were mortal.

The Empire of War continued to grow, poised to devour all mortal realms one day. And what would happen next?

Nobody knew.

Some believed that the endless conquest would end, ushering in an era of harmony and peace — on that day, the Empire of War would become the Empire of Life.

Most, however, held a different belief.

They believed that once all mortal realms were conquered, the Dragon would lead his triumphant warriors as they ascended to the heavens to wage a glorious war of conquest against the Divine Realms as well.

But no one truly knew, since no one could know the future.

Except for those who could.

There were prophets among mortal men. Some, like the sybils, heard the voices of the gods. Some were sensitive to the torrents of fate. Some had gleaned the secrets of the world, and could therefore predict the movements of its parts.

The most famous of the seers was rumored to be the Oracle of Theta, who ruled a distant realm. The peculiar people of that peaceful realm did not bow to the gods — instead, they worshipped fate itself. The Oracle was shrouded in mystery, since they had only ever spoken to the supplicants through the mouths of their three disciples, the priestesses of fate.

So, many believed that the Oracle did not exist and was a mere myth.

If the Oracle did exist, though...

They would have known that even if nobody had realized it yet, the winds of change were already blowing across the mortal realms, and a terrible storm was brewing. The first thunderclap of the calamitous storm was ready to shake the world.

On a day like any other, two messengers arrived beneath two thrones.

One of them had crossed the great bridge and knelt in front of the pristine white gates of the Jade Palace, enduring the bitter cold in silence. Soon, the gates opened, and he was invited into the beautiful depths of the Queen's court.

After receiving the hospitality of the Jade Court, washing himself in a crystal pool, and enjoying a lavish meal, he was ushered into a great hall. There, a white throne towered above the floor, illuminated by torrents of light that poured through the translucent walls.

A young woman sat on the throne, her mesmerizing features caught between adolescence and adulthood. She wore a simple tunic of white silk, and her eyes were like two radiant pools of molten gold, glistening with mischievous sparks. Despite her breathtaking beauty and young age, something about her was eerily inhuman, deeply sinister, making the man shiver and lower his gaze.

Noticing his trepidation, she smiled. The twist of her crimson lips was indescribably alluring, and her golden eyes were full of mirth.

Standing up from the throne, the woman walked down the steps barefoot and stopped in front of the man. He did not dare to look at her — in fact, he shut his eyes tightly, terrified to catch a glimpse of her tunic's hem.

“Well? I was told you have a message for me."

The sound of her voice was enchanting. The man drew a deep breath, then nodded carefully.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The young woman — the gorgeous monster, Jade Queen — seemed to have run out of patience.

“Let's hear it then!"

The man lowered his head and exhaled slowly.

“The message is this, my lady..."

He fell silent, as if gathering his courage. Eventually, he bit his lip and shouted:

"It's time! Pay up."

After that, there were a few gasps, and then a long silence.

The maids and the courtiers of the Jade Palace froze, shocked by the sacrilege. Their faces turned pale, and they threw frightened gazes at their queen.

The man did not see their reactions, though, since he still had his eyes closed. He tensed, feeling cold sweat rolling down his face.

The Jade Queen did not say anything, either.

After a few seconds, however, she suddenly exploded with laughter.

Her laughter was pure and melodious like the sweetest of songs.

Eventually, she forced out a few words through laughter:

“Ah, that heartless woman... did she finally remember that I exist? After ignoring me for centuries. Took her long enough!"

Turning away, she climbed the steps and sat back on her throne.