Seated at the head of the table, Robin massaged his brow. The weariness on his face was unmistakable, and it finally gave way to a deep sigh.

"…Understood, you may leave now. Increase the defensive strength of the remaining lines," Robin instructed.

"Yes, Lord Robin. I will take my leave."

Once the officer left, Robin slowly walked to the massive crystal window, his gaze drifting toward the starry sky outside, which seemed even brighter from the fires of war. The pressure of these days had clearly taken a toll on this strategist known for his intellect, and it was evident in his tired demeanor.

"Why do I keep feeling this unsettling premonition?" Robin muttered to himself, furrowing his brow.

This unease wasn't just due to the defeats on the battlefield. In truth, he had never taken Mount Divinus seriously. A mere Mount Divinus, with a foundation nothing compared to the Clawclash Empire, could hardly threaten them.

What truly concerned him was whether all of this was part of a meticulously planned trap, specifically designed to target the Clawclash Empire. Everything seemed too coincidental.

Most of the Empire's top-tier powerhouses had been mysteriously severely injured and were forced to recuperate. Just when the Empress was at a crucial moment in her ascension, the Empire's best forces were left vulnerable. And then, out of nowhere, Mount Divinus produced a new Sanctuary Sovereign rank and immediately launched an attack.

Without the high-end combatants in place, the Empire had to pull back its forces and bide its time.

If the Clawclash Empire were in its prime, even if Mount Divinus produced several more Sanctuary Sovereign rank warriors, they would have nothing to fear.

Could there be an invisible hand manipulating all of this from behind the scenes?

Robin's expression grew increasingly grave. If this theory were true, how terrifying would the power of the mastermind behind it be? What exactly were they trying to achieve? And who was the mysterious figure who ambushed the Empire's experts? Was there a connection between this and Mount Divinus's strange actions?

A multitude of questions loomed in Robin's mind, like a dark cloud overshadowing his thoughts.

Just then, a powerful aura suddenly rose from the depths of the Black Tower, akin to an ancient magical beast awakening from slumber.

In the next moment, heavy footsteps echoed, drawing closer. A middle-aged woman dressed in dark gold-embroidered robes, her cold and stern face unyielding, slowly entered the meeting hall and walked to Robin's side.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your rank advancement," Robin said as he immediately bowed respectfully.

The woman exuded an overwhelming aura of power. She was none other than Petresh, the supreme ruler of the Clawclash Empire—one of the highest-ranking beings at the Sanctuary King level!

It was she who had taken the Clawclash Empire from a small corner of the Starsea to its current, immense stature, dominating the entire starfield. Her exceptional talent and expansionist philosophy had greatly strengthened the Empire.

"Robin, thank you for overseeing the situation during these difficult times," Petresh spoke, her gaze sweeping over Robin's fatigued face.

Robin didn't dare to slack off and immediately reported everything that had transpired, along with the various speculations that had been weighing on his mind, leaving nothing out.

After listening to Robin's account, Petresh paused for a moment before shaking her head.

"Robin, you're being too cautious," she said dismissively. "A grand existence setting up a trap for us?"

"Ha... let me ask you, what would be the purpose of such an act? To destroy the Clawclash Empire?"

"If they truly had that kind of power, why wouldn't they act themselves? Why rely on the forces of Mount Divinus, a second-rate faction?"

Robin fell silent. These were precisely the aspects he couldn't reconcile. His speculations lacked decisive evidence.

Seeing Robin at a loss for words, Petresh waved her hand, her tone firm and unquestionable.

"Robin, I believe you're overthinking due to the pressure you've been under. You need a rest."

"Put the Empire's affairs aside for now. I'll handle the next steps."

Robin looked at her, a look of disbelief on his face.

"Your Majesty, this—"

"Enough, that's final," Petresh interrupted him, her eyes cold and resolute.

Seeing Petresh's unyielding attitude, Robin had no choice but to swallow the words that remained on his lips. He lowered his head in silence.

In the Clawclash Empire, the Empress's will was absolute! Anyone who opposed her will either knelt in submission and begged for forgiveness or was crushed into stardust under the weight of absolute power.

Yet, even so, Robin couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance. He had worked tirelessly for the Empire, even offering warnings that could have angered the Empress, only to be marginalized in the end.

With a heavy heart, Robin turned and left the meeting hall.

Under the starry sky

Robin glanced back one last time at the Clawclash Tower, the symbol of the Empire's central power. He shook his head slightly, a bitter smile on his lips.

"Can this reckless path truly lead to the end?"

Under the influence of the Empress's will, the people of the Clawclash Empire were subconsciously taught to embrace the survival of the fittest! The weak were trampled and eliminated, while the strong could act without restraint!

This philosophy had penetrated every heart, even the hearts of children.

For someone like him, calm and composed by nature, it was a rarity within the Empire.

"Now… where should I go next?"

He gazed into the vast, deep starry sky, his eyes filled with uncertainty as he drifted aimlessly toward the depths of the Starsea.

Clawclash Empire Palace

"Your Majesty, Robin does possess some talent. Should we really—" a shadowy figure murmured beside Petresh.

Petresh didn't answer.

She simply stared expressionlessly out the window at the Starsea.

At that moment, from the depths of the tower, several powerful auras suddenly erupted, as if a chain reaction had begun.

The Empire's top experts, who had been recuperating, had now fully recovered from their injuries!

"Mount Divinus… do they think that just because they have a Sanctuary Sovereign rank they can challenge the dignity of the Clawclash Empire?!" Petresh's voice was cold and murderous.

"Your luck ends now."

"And whoever is behind you—pray I don't find your tail!"

A cold glint flashed in Petresh's eyes.

The chilling sound of slaughter echoed throughout Clawclash Realm.

Instantly, countless powerful auras rose from the Empire's various strongholds, soaring into the sky like locusts as they rushed toward the starfield controlled by Mount Divinus!

The war between the two great powers escalated once again, with the flames of battle spreading more fiercely than ever across the starfield.

Sakend Plane, Dalton Town

During this time, Dalton Town had entered a long period of peace and development. With almost limitless resources being poured into the city, the power of its people began to rise at an astonishing rate.

Dalton had long become the undisputed supreme force in the Sakend plane, its position unshakable! The human race within the plane had not only restored their ancient glory but had even surpassed it!

"Magnar, has President not returned yet?"

Inside Magnar's mansion, Hardiman, the leader of the undead race, had visited numerous times, his tone filled with urgency.

A trace of impatience flashed across Magnar's face, though he still maintained politeness.

"Leader Hardiman, I've already told you many times. President is out handling matters. I'll inform you as soon as he returns."

Hardiman's face darkened with disappointment. At this moment, he was filled with regret.

Why hadn't he joined Dalton like the divine race had?

Look at the divine race now; many of their geniuses and powerful figures had been granted residence in Dalton Town and enjoyed enviable treatment. Felix, in particular, was grinning from ear to ear every time Hardiman saw him, making Hardiman feel an overwhelming sense of frustration and discomfort.

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