This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 720 - 375: Aftermath

Chapter 720: Chapter 375: Aftermath

Abel panted heavily, his entire body bloodied and mangled, drenched in fresh blood. The terror of facing death up close was not something so easily forgotten.

This was the first time since his birth that he had perceived death at such close range, and it was destined to leave a permanent mark on him.

Ryan’s cold expression floated before his eyes, and a seed of hatred began to sprout.

He would make sure to pay it back, sooner or later!

Abel’s body floated uncontrollably and was then carried off by Jaint. With lingering fear, he glanced at Li Ming.

Costat approached, and blood-red barriers rose on both sides, gradually encasing the two of them within.

In the distant sky, Diwusi and Crow appeared, flanking Ryan as he entered the Empire Flying Device. It seemed to maintain a balance of power.

Li Ming remained vigilant in his heart. Although Costat did not appear overtly hostile toward him, the series of unexpected events made it unclear what precise motives this prince harbored.

"Does Lord Azure Dragon still maintain contact?" Costat inquired calmly.

"One moment..." Li Ming’s voice echoed.

Costat was inwardly surprised. Li Ming’s voice carried not even the slightest tremor. After such intense clashes just moments ago, was he completely unharmed?

What level had this Mecha’s kinetic energy and energy defense reached?

Li Ming’s voice then rang out again: "Could you possibly open a small gap in this barrier...?"

"My apologies." Costat, slightly taken aback, opened a tiny slit in the blood-red barrier overhead. After waiting for a moment, the voice of Azure Dragon finally came through, speaking: "Lord Costat..."

"Lord Azure Dragon, I sincerely apologize." Costat’s expression was extremely earnest. "I had not anticipated that Ryan would act so suddenly. On his behalf, I offer my deepest apologies."

Averting his gaze to the curtain being used for an apology, Li Ming muttered to himself, surprised as well. He hadn’t expected Costat to adopt such a humble posture.

This felt very unusual. Even if Costat didn’t want to escalate the conflict, there was no reason to bow so low.

"There’s no need for apologies, Prince. Some things are destined to happen." Li Ming’s tone carried deeper implications. He then added, "However, I truly didn’t expect this Prince Ryan to have such bloodlust, trying to kill even Abel."

Azure Dragon’s response was gentle, while Costat could only offer a helpless bitter smile.

Considering that Polk’s previous statements had deceived him, the primary suspect for attacking the Empire Base and abducting or killing Nicholas remained Azure Dragon.

Over the past forty days, he had mostly pieced together the background of the events.

The grudge between Azure Dragon and Nicholas was not overly complicated; it stemmed from the ruins of a lost civilization and involved the death of one of Nicholas’s offspring.

To be honest, he didn’t think Nicholas had done anything wrong.

It was merely that Azure Dragon had hidden his strength too deeply. If he had demonstrated his current power from the outset, Nicholas would never have confronted him.

On the matter of Nicholas, both parties maintained a tacit understanding, so Costat refrained from delving further and simply said:

"I hope that later, Lord Azure Dragon could join me in clarifying this misunderstanding to the outside world. After all, it was Prince Ryan’s relative who vanished, so his impulsiveness is understandable."

"That’s only appropriate." Li Ming readily agreed, similarly unwilling to escalate tensions further.

Costat’s eyes flickered. He hesitated slightly before lifting the blood-red barrier, visibly nervous after enduring two instances of betrayal on the spot—leaving him psychologically scarred.

At the center of the battlefield lay a massive crater—the focal point of Li Ming and Ryan’s clash. The edges were smooth, squirming with interwoven black-and-white patterns, flickering with an eerie brilliance as they shifted in an inscrutable rhythm.

Each convulsion was accompanied by subtle energy fluctuations, engaging in some form of interaction with the surrounding space.

The World Tree was repairing the damage caused by the recent battle. At its core lay a yawning void rift.

If not for Costat’s immediate intervention, the crater might have expanded a hundredfold or more.

The two landed at the crater’s edge. Costat’s face was grim, as countless life forms with severed limbs and shattered bodies howled in agony, even from a considerable distance—mere victims of the residual shockwaves.

A significant number of life forms had been completely obliterated in the initial explosion of energy fluctuations.

"Prince Costat, what is your perspective on Prince Ryan’s unexpected assault, his refusal to honor your agreement, and the resulting damage?"

A bloodied journalist staggered forward, their face pale, legs trembling. One arm had already been lost, but they still forced themselves to ask the question.

"This was a misunderstanding," Costat replied with a composed expression, aware that recording devices were operating farther away.

"During the previous attack, Prince Ryan lost a close relative, leaving him with some misunderstandings regarding Lord Azure Dragon. However, this has already been clarified."

"Indeed," Li Ming interjected at just the right moment. His imposing Mechanical Body emitted a low hum. "It truly was a misunderstanding. I can empathize deeply with Prince Ryan’s grief over losing a loved one."

Costat released a sigh of relief, glad that at least someone hadn’t turned against him. He promptly continued: "Given Prince Ryan’s grief and the resulting consequences, we are willing to take full responsibility for all reparations."

"Then what about the accusations concerning the Dominion Holy Image and the guide—Polk’s proclamation? What is your stance on those?" Seeing that Costat was being cooperative, more reporters stepped forward.

It must be said this group of journalists was remarkably persistent—they still dared to ask questions under such circumstances.

Prince Costat frowned slightly as Diaz descended, accompanied by several external spokespersons. Under the protection of gathered soldiers, they took charge of the scene.

Costat and Li Ming, meanwhile, were escorted away.

Afterward, Li Ming disengaged from his Mechanical Body, revealing visible damages. The four Heavenly Kings descended, their frames clearly bearing signs of heavy wear and tear.