My Celestial Ascension

Chapter 670: War General Valeria Took Action

However, such immense power came at a cost. Every action had its consequences—especially when wielding great power. That single attack had drained most of Emperor Philip’s mana, leaving him vulnerable.

The leader of the masked group immediately noticed this, let out a wide grin, and began mocking Emperor Philip blatantly, trying to break his will to fight.

"Hahaha! Is that all? Was that the best you could do? How laughable! The Emperor of the Lionheart Empire is nothing but a pathetic, weak bastard! You can’t even do anything despite wearing such powerful armor and wielding such a mighty sword!"

The leader’s wicked voice echoed throughout the entire stadium as he shamelessly mocked Emperor Philip in front of everyone, aiming to disgrace him and crush his fighting spirit.

However, at that moment, a powerful magic attack suddenly appeared out of nowhere and struck the leader square in the chest, sending him flying several meters before his body slammed against the rock wall of the stadium.

Bang! The masked leader’s body crashed into the hard rock wall, but he immediately got back on his feet, protected by high-ranking armor hidden beneath his hood.

"Whoa! That was... unexpected! Took me by surprise!" The leader rubbed the back of his head where it had hit the wall, but the injury was minor, and he only felt a slight sting.

’That magic attack came out of nowhere. I couldn’t even react before it hit me! I underestimated these people... that was my mistake.’ The leader sighed inwardly as he brushed the dust off his clothes.

He had been overconfident in his own strength and that of his men, overlooking the possibility that the Lionheart Empire might have powerful individuals capable of matching them—or even defeating them.

"Your Majesty! Are you alright?!"

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind, drawing everyone’s attention. The voice was familiar, and people began to wonder who had come to the Emperor’s defense.

King Richard entered the scene, striding forward to approach Emperor Philip and ensure his safety. After all, Philip had been fighting alone against the leader of the masked Golden Skull organization.

Emperor Philip was surprised to see King Richard, with Crown Prince Tristan at his side, rushing toward him. Both were fully prepared to face the leader of the masked group.

"King Richard, why are you here? Are the other kings coming too? Are we joining forces against the Golden Skull?" Emperor Philip asked, his face brightening with hope and a flicker of relief.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. However, it’s just me and my son. We didn’t see any of the other kings or their soldiers on our way here," King Richard replied with a guilty expression, his concern evident in his eyes.

"I see..." Emperor Philip’s heart sank at those words. He had never imagined that his own allies would abandon him in such a crucial moment.

Yet, as he looked at King Richard and his son, a warmth filled his chest. At least someone had stayed by his side. He wasn’t completely alone.

"Well, let’s forget about the others. I’m truly grateful that you and your son came to aid me. This means more than you know—I’ll remember this moment forever," Emperor Philip said with a genuine smile, despite the looming danger surrounding them.

"Your Majesty, we should focus on the fight. My earlier attack barely did any damage, and that crazy bastard is already back on his feet," Crown Prince Tristan warned, an awkward expression crossing his face as he noticed the masked leader approaching, radiating a powerful, murderous aura.

"You bastards! How dare you ambush me?! You’ll pay for this! I’ll skin both you and your son alive!" the leader roared, his eyes blazing with fury. The short sword in his hand suddenly glowed with a menacing red light.

’Am I going to die...?’ The thought echoed in his head as his vision darkened, preparing himself for the inevitable impact.

"Gotcha!"

A firm but distinctly feminine voice pierced through the fog in his mind, and suddenly, he felt strong arms catch him mid-air.

"Huh?" Tristan’s eyes fluttered open, and to his astonishment, he saw himself suspended in the sky—War General Valeria was holding him securely by the arm.

’I’m saved! I’ve been saved by War General Valeria herself!’ Tristan nearly burst into tears, overwhelmed with relief and excitement. ’What an honor!’

"Oh my, what a coward! Attacking a child like that—and you call yourself a man? How laughable!" Valeria sneered, standing confidently atop her flying sword as it hovered in mid-air.

The leader of the masked individuals stared in shock. He had never seen anyone ’flying’ on a sword before. The sheer impossibility of it left him momentarily speechless, but his surprise quickly twisted into greed.

’I must have that sword, he thought, eyes narrowing hungrily. It’s no ordinary weapon—it must be an ancient artifact imbued with powerful flying magic. Such a treasure belongs in my hands!’

"War General Valeria... I didn’t expect to see you here all of a sudden," the leader finally spoke, his voice dripping with contempt. "Are you here to save your pathetic brother’s ass?"

He chuckled, convinced of his superiority, unaware that his arrogance only made him look foolish in front of Valeria.

Meanwhile, in the VIP rooms, members of the Ten Great Families watched in stunned silence. The sudden appearance of Valeria—the legendary War General and role model to countless women—had left them speechless.

"Is that ’the’ War General Valeria? The one who’s led countless victories and defeated SS-rank monsters like they were nothing?"

"Unbelievable! To think she’d show up here... Once this is over, I must pay my respects—and perhaps persuade her to ally with my family,"

Their murmurs echoed through the VIP chambers, a mix of awe and admiration. But it wasn’t just Valeria’s strength that held their attention—her radiant beauty and commanding presence left many utterly captivated.

Back in the arena, Valeria descended gracefully, her sword humming softly as it brought her to the ground. She set Tristan down gently before stepping forward, sword in hand, her expression cool and fearless.

"So, ’you’re’ the infamous Skull Hunter from the Golden Skull organization," she said, her voice laced with amusement. "I didn’t expect to see you here today. Well... I guess it’s my lucky day—and your worst."

As she spoke, a wave of Spiritual Energy pulsed from her body, rippling through the air like a silent storm. The Skull Hunter stiffened, feeling the sudden pressure crash over him like an invisible weight.

Still, he forced a laugh, trying to mask his unease.

"I’m surprised someone as esteemed as ’you’ knows who I am... Seems I’ve become quite famous! Lucky me." His laughter turned maniacal, echoing through the arena.

But beneath his bravado, a sliver of fear had taken root.