On the other side.

Vera also saved four Great Angels who had reached their limits.

And dealt with the most troublesome Demon Clan members at Tier Nine Totem.

The remaining Demon Clan was no longer a threat.

With Aster Grant’s help, the entire Angel World was cleared of demon presence.

Even the multiple Void Passages left by the Demon Clan were found and destroyed.

Once this was done, the entire Angel World finally stabilized completely.

Seven days later.

The major Great Angels and the citizens and soldiers of the Holy City, whose injuries were mostly stabilized, received a notification from the palace.

Queen Lani would hold a grand ceremony at noon the next day in the Holy City’s Central Plaza.

The news spread, and expectations ran high.

Everyone believed this would be a grand celebration of victory.

People needed a ceremony like this to bid farewell to the shadow of war and gather new hope.

The next day, the sunlight was unusually bright.

The Central Plaza, though simply repaired and still showing signs of battle, was already crowded with people.

The surviving Angel Warriors and ordinary citizens gathered here.

They awaited the start of this grand ceremony.

Aster Grant, Lazuli, Veridia, Vera, and Kieran Sinclair, whose injuries had improved enough for him to move, all received Lani’s warm invitation.

They were respectfully led to the VIP seats at the front of the viewing platform.

The ceremony began on time.

Dressed in a simple yet solemn white robe and wearing the silver crown symbolizing royal authority, Lani gracefully ascended the podium.

Her gaze swept across countless eager faces below, lingered on the wounded warriors, and finally settled on Aster Grant and the others, a flicker of complexity in her eyes.

First, on behalf of the Angel Race, she offered the deepest condolences and highest respect to all the heroic spirits sacrificed in the war.

Then, she acknowledged the resilience and dedication of all the military and citizens in dire situations.

Afterward, her voice suddenly rose, filled with sincere gratitude:

"...Yet, we all know that the arrival of this victory would not be possible without several crucial heroes!"

Her gaze burned as it landed on Aster Grant:

"Here, I, Lani, on behalf of millions of citizens of the Angel World, extend the highest courtesy to thank Master Aster Grant!"

"Had it not been for your intervention at the most perilous moment, the Holy City would have long since fallen, and the Angel World might have been utterly doomed!"

"Your kindness will never be forgotten by the Angel Race!"

The audience erupted into thunderous applause and chants of gratitude.

Voices of thanks rose and fell.

Aster Grant nodded lightly in acknowledgment.

Watching the spirited Lani, Aster Grant felt a sense of seeing a child all grown up.

However, just as Aster Grant expected Lani to continue thanking Lazuli, Veridia, Vera, and others in turn.

Lani’s tone suddenly shifted.

She took a deep breath, her smile subdued, becoming extremely solemn.

She turned to Lazuli and spoke loudly:

"Among all the heroes, one return not only brought victory but also heralded the true destiny of our Angel Race!"

Her voice clearly transmitted to every corner of the plaza:

"Princess Lazuli! Daughter of Lord Kieran Sinclair, the most rightful inheritor of our Angel Race!"

"She saved the Angel Race in a time of crisis!"

The crowd’s cheers grew even more intense, many gazing at Lazuli with admiration.

Lani gestured for silence with both hands.

Her gaze again swept across the entire area, finally resting on Lazuli, her words precise and clear:

"Since ascending the throne, I have constantly felt the deep fear and heavy responsibility."

"I am acutely aware that all the honor and authority I possess are not truly mine to inherit."

"This crown, this Holy City, even the future of the Angel Race, only have one true legitimate heir and leader..."

She paused, then under everyone’s watchful eyes, slowly raised both hands.

With solemn ceremony, she removed the silver crown from her head, holding it in her palms.

"...that is, Princess Lazuli!"

"Boom!"

The plaza instantly buzzed with astonishment!

Countless people were left speechless, hardly believing their ears.

Even on the viewing platform, Kieran Sinclair and several other Great Angels showed surprise, evidently unaware of this in advance.

Lani’s voice grew more resolute and elevated:

"Today, here, under everyone’s witness, I officially declare."

"From this day on, the only legitimate and world-favored Monarch of the Angel Race will be..."

She turned, facing Lazuli, holding the crown high with both hands, and deeply bowed:

"——Her Majesty Lazuli!"

"We invite Her Majesty Lazuli to assume the throne and be crowned!"

The air seemed to freeze.

Everyone was speechless in the face of this unexpected transfer of power.

Aster Grant was stunned.

He brought Lazuli back with the initial intention of witnessing Kieran Sinclair’s recognition in this world and the consolidation of his divine position.

Never once had he thought of allowing Lazuli to rule as the Monarch of the Angel Race!

Previous trials were also aimed at seeking favor for the Angel Race.

Lazuli was completely taken aback.

Her eyes were filled with astonishment.

She had no interest in power; her world always revolved around Aster Grant.

Becoming the King of Angels?

This was never part of her plan.

Seeing the astonishment on Aster Grant’s and Lazuli’s faces, Lani understood.

She maintained her pose of holding the crown and bowing, continuing:

"Master Aster Grant, Her Majesty Lazuli, please hear me out."

"I am not belittling myself, nor am I evading responsibility! But there are facts I understand better than anyone."

"During the days I wore this crown, I could only mobilize a portion of the Power of Heaven and Earth."

"But I constantly felt there was an invisible barrier between me and this land, this sky."

"I could only invoke a tiny fraction of the Angel World’s power, and I never... gained the recognition of this world."

"But Her Majesty Lazuli is different!"

"Even if she is not the Monarch of the Angel Race, she can still resonate with this world."

"This is destiny!"

These words left Aster Grant, who was contemplating refusal, temporarily stunned.

World recognition?

Mobilizing the Power of Heaven and Earth?

The position of Monarch of the Angel Race holds these functions?

He finally understood why Lazuli had always been one step away from controlling this world.

It was because this crucial link was missing.

If it’s like this....

"This throne.... really must be accepted."

Aster Grant smiled wryly in his heart.

He could only order Lazuli, who was still in shock, to accept.

And Lazuli, upon receiving Aster Grant’s message, could only reluctantly agree.

Seeing this, Lani instantly rejoiced.

She then straightened her posture, holding the crown, and walked step by step with solemnity towards Lazuli in front of the VIP seats.

Under Aster Grant’s encouraging gaze, Lazuli slowly stood up and walked to the front of the stage.

In the plaza, someone first shouted: "Welcome Her Majesty Lazuli!"

Immediately, the chant spread like wildfire!

"Welcome Her Majesty Lazuli!"

"Long live Her Majesty Lazuli!"

"Destiny has arrived! Her Majesty Lazuli!"

The roaring waves of sound swept across the entire plaza.

Amidst the deafening cheers and countless fervent gazes.

Lani reached Lazuli, bowed deeply once more.

Then, she carefully and steadily placed the crown, which carried countless histories and responsibilities, upon Lazuli’s head.

The moment the crown descended, it seemed as if an invisible ripple spread out from Lazuli.

The clouds in the sky appeared brighter, and the ruins of the Holy City seemed to emit a faint vitality.

...

...