...in a newly evolved multi-universe...
This was the universe where the Hans existed. This seemingly new multi-universe had witnessed a rise in angels across its realms. The Rank 4 beings couldn't complain; after all, the angels now included archangels who were at least Rank 4, with most reaching Rank 5 or even Rank 6.
On the divine plane, the gods gazed at the angels now occupying their space, examining every being.
"If I catch that traitor..." Marcule gritted his teeth with intense hatred. Mark frowned, and Kira remained silent, though she was inwardly furious. Now, this multi-universe would never know peace.
"Alright, enough of this. You should leave," Kira's father said indifferently, his expression cold and chilling.
"I guess the gods are no more than this," sneered the leading angel as he stepped forward to confront Kira's father. Their auras clashed, causing everyone to retreat—only quasi-Rank 3 beings could withstand it.
"Do you wish to die?" Kira's father asked.
"That depends... Can you even harm me?" the angel scoffed.
Reality suddenly warped with a loud sound, causing all beings below quasi-Rank 3 to experience a vision of themselves at their most vulnerable, as if they had just been born.
Observing this, Mark activated his Chaos half-law, enveloping Marcule and Kira. Although they retained their divine forms, this was an extra measure of protection. Mark's Chaos half-law disrupted time and space, safeguarding the divine plane from lasting harm, restoring it as if nothing had occurred.
"Now, leave," Kira's father commanded solemnly.
The angel scoffed again and turned away, his gaze cruel.
"We will return," he said as a portal opened. Within it was a colossal being exuding an ancient and detached aura.
This was an archangel. The gods looked upon him with solemnity. While the highest among them was Rank 3, this being was something else, a force far beyond their power.
After the angels departed and the portal closed, the gods resumed their activities, anger evident in every movement. Their pride had been crushed, and the angels had trampled on their dignity without consequence.
In a grand hall, Mark, Marcule, and Kira gathered. "We need to convene a meeting... This... This is troubling," Kira said through gritted teeth.
"Agreed. Summon the top ten ranked beings," Marcule suggested, and Mark nodded.
"Alright, I've sent the invitations," Mark said.
The invitations went out directly, and the previously vacant ninth and tenth ranks were now filled.
1. Void: quasi-Rank 3, Law: Fire 50.9%
2. Mark: quasi-Rank 3, Law: Chaos 0.1%
4. Feng Yue: high-level Rank 2
5. Marcule: mid-level Rank 2
6. Blade: low-level Rank 2
7. Chaos (Avid): early Rank 2
9. DaoistTm: peak Rank 1
10. Foxy: quasi-peak Rank 1
11. Supremacy Angel: peak Rank 1
"What the...?" Kira said in shock.
"Mark... You're no longer number one," Marcule added, his mouth agape.
"I know. I've sent the invitations... I hope he accepts," Mark replied, his expression shifting.
"Interesting... The whole ranking has changed," Luke said with a smile, pleased with his rise in rank, though the loss of Leo and Doria was still a surprise.
"Yes, it has," Feng Yue responded.
Slowly, the top ten beings gathered—except for Void.
"Now that we're all here, can the two new members introduce themselves?" Mark requested.
"I am DaoistTm, creator of a sect in one world. I seek peace and prefer not to involve myself in irrelevant matters," DaoistTm replied with a slight bow.
"I am Foxy, a member of the Nine Divine Tailed Fox Tribe," Foxy said, her voice enchanting. Though the others were only virtually present, they felt chills as her charm worked on their minds.
"Alright, as you can see, our ranking has shifted. We've lost two members, and at this rate... when will we vanish from existence?" Mark asked, his expression grim.
"About 500 million Hans remain... We... we're... I don't even know," Blade sighed in pain.
"From 10 billion to this... We've lost countless friends and family," Chaos spoke up.
"Sigh... What do you all propose we do?" Foxy asked.
"Yes, I'm interested, but my advice would be to avoid fighting. We're too few now... Any large-scale war will lead to our extinction," DaoistTm advised.
"Let's hear it, then," Feng Yue agreed.
"Honestly, anyone can speak; it doesn't have to be Mark," Luke said nonchalantly, and the atmosphere grew tense. After all, Mark was no longer the number one.
Previously, they had agreed that only the strongest could lead.
"Well, he's right... I'm not fit to make decisions anymore," Mark said, folding his arms.
The virtual space grew silent as Mark's refusal to speak left everyone at a loss. Luke watched, smiling to himself, confident he would one day take the top position.
...in the deep third layer of space...
A being slowly opened his eyes.
(Ding... You have been invited to join the top ten ranking meeting.
"Sigh..." Void sighed, then closed his eyes and resumed his breakthrough.
"Why are you all silent?" The top ten heard a voice and turned to see Void's form. He seemed vastly different, almost distant. The pressure he exuded made everyone pause.
"Glad you're here, Void," Blade laughed heartily.
The others smiled a bit.
"I'm curious, though... What took you so long to join? Busy?" Mark asked.
Void looked at him with a slight grin. All of these people were his kin. What could he say? They had to survive, or else...
"A bit. I'm breaking through to Rank 3. In fact, this is just a projection of my consciousness, so why the silence?" Void said, shocking them. A Rank 3 being... Then they recalled the 50.9% beside Void's Fire half Law, realizing that soon they would have a Rank 3 ally.
"Well, Mark is no longer number one, so he can't lead anymore. Only the number one can, and that's you," Marcule explained.
"Understood, but for now, I'm occupied with my breakthrough. Mark will continue to lead. I'm aware of the angel situation in your realm. Don't worry; soon, they won't have time to pursue us. Now, I must return. Just sit back and watch... Stay safe; I won't be responsible for any unnecessary losses. This system... this bond... it's all for survival," Void said with a smile before disappearing.
The top ten were stunned but felt an odd reassurance from Void. He was close to Rank 3, undeniably the strongest among them.
"You're all still valuable... this system... I can't afford to lose it yet," Void's consciousness murmured as it returned to him.
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