Contents
Chapter Seventy-Seven
Overview
Aeri transmutes the Yusan and Wei flagships to gold, stunning all three realms. Mikail deduces she wields both the Ring and the Dragon Lord’s Amulet (Sands of Time), making her the prime target. As forces charge the stranded ships, Mikail forgoes killing the Weian scepter bearer—and drowning Joon, Uol, and Quilimar—to protect Aeri, Royo, and Sora.
Summary
A blinding halo fades to reveal the Yusan imperial ship and the Weian priest king’s ship transformed to gold and rapidly sinking. Mikail, Quilimar, Sora, and soldiers from three realms stare in shock as the impossible feat sinks in. Mikail realizes the ring alone cannot do this and deduces Aeri also wields the Dragon Lord’s Amulet—the Sands of Time.
Connecting past near-miracles to time manipulation, Mikail concludes Aeri has etherum power that saved her in Pyong, Oosant, and against Prince Omin. He understands her unmatched strength now makes her the most coveted—and endangered—asset on the field.
With the harbor bed exposed by the Weian Water Scepter user, chaos erupts as dignitaries scramble and forces rush in. Quilimar leads Khitanese into the harbor. Mikail races toward Aeri, guarded by Royo and General Vikal, aiming to reach her before Wei or Yusan can capture her.
Spotting the nearly unprotected Weian scepter bearer, Mikail recognizes he could kill the wielder and let the sea crash back, drowning Joon, Uol, and Quilimar at once. But Sora has followed him, and Aeri and Royo stand vulnerable. Mikail chooses to forgo vengeance and strategic annihilation to safeguard Aeri, Royo, and Sora, accepting a costly restraint that may haunt him.
Who Appears
- MikailPOV; deduces Aeri has the Dragon Lord’s Amulet, races to protect her, and chooses allies’ safety over drowning his enemies.
- AeriUnleashes immense power, turning two royal ships to gold; likely bears both the Ring and the Dragon Lord’s Amulet.
- QuilimarKhitan leader; seizes the moment, leading forces into the harbor to capture advantage and possibly Aeri.
- SoraFollows Mikail into the harbor despite his order; her presence influences his choice to protect allies.
- RoyoStands guard over Aeri’s body with sword drawn amid the chaos in the harbor.
- General VikalGuards Aeri alongside Royo, prioritizing her protection as forces converge.
- JoonYusan leader whose ship is sunk; a potential target Mikail declines to drown.
- UolWeian priest king; his golden flagship strands him as guards retreat toward shore.
- Weian Water Scepter bearerMaintains diverted sea; nearly unprotected, a kill that could drown multiple leaders, but spared by Mikail’s choice.