After the death of the Ether King, the events that followed were expected. The people of Ether Kingdom, having witnessed their king’s death and Atticus’ overwhelming might, submitted.

Taking control of the kingdom proved far easier than expected, with no opposition or worthwhile riots ensuing.

Just like that, Atticus’ main objective for the Second Crown had been fulfilled. However, unlike the Pride Queen had expected, he didn’t ascend to the Third Crown immediately.

Instead, he waged war against the remaining kingdoms. With the Pride Queen commanding his armies, bringing them to their knees wasn’t difficult. After that, he repeated the same strategy, baiting each ruler into an isolated one-on-one battle.

Like that, Atticus fought multiple kings and queens of the Second Crown, raising his power from low level seven to low level nine. Afterward, however, no matter how many rulers he killed, his strength no longer budged.

The final king fell on the tenth day after the death of the King of Ether. On the eleventh... they ascended to the Third Crown.

...

A brilliant light flared within a serene forest. Moments later, Atticus and the others emerged from its depths.

The very first thing Atticus felt was the weight.

The Plane Will... it had intensified manifold compared to the Second Crown. He could feel his power adjusting in response to the Third Crown itself. If even he felt this pressure, then it was difficult to imagine what the others were experiencing.

Still, Atticus didn’t dwell on it. With one hand resting on his katana, he slowly surveyed his surroundings.

Towering trees. Ordinary green leaves. Grass-covered earth overflowing with life.

A calm, tranquil forest.

He was mildly surprised. Considering the nature of both the First and Second Crown, the Third felt almost heavenly in comparison.

Even so, Atticus didn’t lower his guard.

’I can feel them.’

The distance was incomprehensible, yet he could still sense faint traces of True Gods scattered across the world.

This was the final destination of the Middle Planes. The place where every True God of the major factions, beings who ruled over the entirety of the Middle Planes, had gathered.

The Third Crown.

"We can’t stay here." the Pride Queen said, a faint frown settling on her face as she surveyed the surroundings.

Atticus furrowed his brows, immediately understanding the implication. She could sense the terrifying forces within this world just as clearly as he could.

And if they could sense those gods... then those gods could likely sense them as well.

They had to move. But first...

"We need information." Atticus said.

"Don’t look at me." The Pride Queen shrugged lightly. "This is my first time here too."

"That’s fine, mom." Ozeroth said. "My bond has another method."

Though his tone carried its usual pride, there was none of the familiar smugness behind it. Clearly, he didn’t care in the slightest whether or not she found it impressive.

"Hm?" The Pride Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Ozeroth and Atticus. "What is it?"

Atticus gestured toward Anorah and the others, prompting them to gather around. A moment later, he spoke.

"Span."

The Pride Queen furrowed her brows. Span? Why was he calli—

A brilliant light suddenly shone.

A furry creature materialized before them as an overwhelming aura descended upon the clearing. Every soul present felt the pressure instantly.

The Pride Queen’s eyes widened slightly. That presence...

A Star.

She slowly turned toward Atticus, disbelief flickering within her eyes.

Did he seriously have a Star on speed dial?

"What is it?" the Eternal Span sighed heavily, fixing Atticus with a deadpan stare.

"Tell me everything I need to know about the Third Crown."

"...have I truly been reduced to nothing more than an information source?" There was unmistakable bitterness in the Span’s voice.

"...that was our deal."

"Deal?" the Pride Queen asked, raising a brow. "What deal?"

Atticus glanced toward her.

"...I asked him to guide me through the Crowns in exchange for a favor."

"Ah, I see." The Pride Queen nodded before suddenly giving him a thumbs up alongside a grin. "Good one."

Atticus blinked once, unsure how to respond, before awkwardly nodding.

"...thanks."

"...I see you’ve added more followers to your group." the Span remarked, casting the Pride Queen a disapproving glance. "Why bother? They always end up as dead weight eventually."

Eyes narrowed instantly. Every single one of them stared coldly at the Span. Yet only the Pride Queen spoke.

"Big words for a guide."

A cold glint flickered through the Span’s eyes, but the Pride Queen met his gaze without hesitation.

Her expression remained calm, carrying only a faint smile. It was obvious she didn’t care in the least about his words.

"...we’re getting off topic." Atticus said after a brief, tense silence. "Answer the question."

The Span scoffed before folding his tiny arms and adopting a more serious expression.

"The Third Crown, as you already know, is the final destination." he said. "Your ultimate objective here is to reach for the Crown itself. To achieve that... you must establish dominion over the entire world."

Atticus’ eyes narrowed, immediately understanding the implication. To dominate the world... meant dominating the gods within it.

"Currently," the Span continued, "the Third Crown is divided between three major powers struggling for supremacy."

"The first are the Reverents. They inhabit the south and possess an entire continent of their own. I doubt I need to explain the danger they pose to you."

Atticus gave a silent nod.

"The second is an alliance formed by the other major faction gods."

"Alliance?"

"Yes. Every major faction you encountered beneath the Crown has temporarily allied with one another."

Atticus frowned. The major factions were far from friendly. Beyond that, their very purpose here revolved around domination. They were enemies by nature. Since when did enemies unite?

"...why?" Atticus finally asked.

"...mainly because of the threat posed by the Reverents." the Span replied. "And the third faction."

Atticus raised a brow.

"Another alliance." the Span said. "One consisting primarily of Fragment Bearers."

Atticus’ eyes sharpened. Beside him, Anorah, Thora, Thomas, and Azeron reacted similarly.

An alliance composed entirely of Fragment Bearers...

As they each sank into thought, the Span continued speaking.

"All three groups are currently engaged in active war. Though, I’d say the conflict between the Fragment Bearers and the major factions is by far the most intense."

Silence settled over the clearing. It was a lot to take in. They had just stepped directly into the center of an ongoing war.

’I expected this.’

Atticus reminded himself inwardly.

It changed nothing. He had come here to destroy the major factions and the Willguard once and for all. That objective remained unchanged.

He opened his mouth to speak, but...

Thud.

Atticus’ head snapped toward the sound.

There, sprawled across the ground and convulsing violently... was Whisker.