Chapter 1689: A hunt

Chapter 1689: A hunt

Cain’s eyes narrowed as he listened to the words of the Inferno Daemon. Zoro’s plan was indeed straightforward—blunt, even—but that didn’t mean it was a bad one.

While Cain preferred more intricate maneuvers—strategies designed to break the enemy’s cohesion and sow confusion—those required flawless coordination among troops, and that level of discipline was most certainly lacking at this stage of the war. A direct assault, while lacking elegance, also meant there were fewer variables that could go disastrously wrong.

Still, Cain had something else in mind.

A faint glow of sharp intent flickered in his crimson eyes as he stepped forward. “It’s a solid plan,” he said evenly, his tone respectful but firm. “But I’d like to propose an addition.”

Zoro’s gaze sharpened, the pressure around him growing heavier as he turned his full attention to Cain. He was not the type to tolerate deviation from his strategy, yet Cain had demonstrated immense power and had been the key force that shattered the balance during the Battle above the Sea of Misfortune. That earned him, at the very least, a moment of consideration.

“Speak,” Zoro said, his voice low and rumbling like distant thunder.

Cain offered a faint smile, not one of arrogance but of calm confidence. “I want to act as a scout—advance ahead of the main army. I can survey the terrain, identify traps, ambush points, and gather key intelligence before we commit our forces.”

Gasps and widened eyes met his suggestion.

Scouting was among the most dangerous responsibilities on the battlefield—often a death sentence for those who lacked the skill or luck to survive behind enemy lines. Most would avoid the role entirely. Yet here was Cain, volunteering for it.

Before anyone could speak, Cain continued. “Of course, to fulfill this role properly, I’ll need complete and absolute autonomy. I’ll move independently—without oversight, without restriction.”

A visible frown creased Zoro’s face.

As it stood, all Prima Deities and high-ranking warriors were under the command of Divine Calamity Heaven’s ruling trio. Movement, deployment, and even strategic decisions had to be authorized. Cain, however, was now requesting to operate outside that chain of command—an audacious proposition.

“Hmph. You just want to roam freely while the rest of us risk our lives,” came a scornful voice.

Cain didn’t have to look to recognize the speaker: Martin, Crown Prince of the Golden Star Kingdom.

The animosity between Cain and Martin was no secret. The enmity dated back to when Cain nearly killed the man’s father, an event that had embarrassed the Golden Star Kingdom and left a lasting wound on the pride of its royal bloodline.

“Who says you even have the skills to be a scout?” Martin spat, venom laced in every word. He masked his bitterness with skepticism, planting seeds of doubt among the other Prima Deities.

Now, all eyes turned toward Cain—piercing, discerning, evaluating. The perception abilities of a Prima Deity were unparalleled; to hide from them was something few dared even claim, let alone attempt.

Cain inhaled slowly, then summoned the power of the Scarlet Throne. More precisely, he channeled the soul of a master—the soul of Sorcerer, the old man who had once led a powerful underground organization, infamous for expertise in disguise.

In a shimmer of red mist, Cain’s form began to shift. His body twisted and morphed until he took the shape of a tiny insect. Under the scrutiny of the gathered Prima Deities, he flitted around them, and they reacted instantly—releasing Ego Waves in an attempt to detect his presence.

But they found nothing.

Gasps filled the air as shock washed over the assembly. Even with all their power and perception, they couldn’t sense Cain’s presence while he was cloaked. He returned to his original form with a radiant, knowing smile.

“That should answer any doubts about my stealth and cloaking capabilities,” Cain said. “As for infiltration and intelligence gathering… I believe those from the Everlife Continent can vouch for my proficiency.”

“He infiltrated the Gu Sect while still a Divine Master,” said Pation, eager to curry favor. “Not only did he disable our formation before taking control, but he also crippled the capital of the Golden Star Kingdom with a single touch.”

“I can confirm that,” added Alucard, his voice cool and neutral, giving the impression of objectivity. “The Scarlet King’s abilities to manipulate minds and control entire regions without detection are unmatched.”

Martin clenched his jaw in silence, seeing how the tide of support was shifting. He opened his mouth to speak again—but then he felt Zoro’s eyes fall upon him.

He froze. Under the weight of that stare, he could do nothing but lower his head in grudging silence.

Zoro sneered at the prince’s retreat, then turned his gaze back to Cain. A long moment passed.

Then he nodded.

“Fine,” the Inferno Daemon said. “You’ll have complete autonomy. But I want a detailed report every three days on the enemy’s movements ahead of the army. Break that rule, and you answer to me.”

Cain smiled, genuinely pleased. “Agreed. Expect the first report in seventy-two hours.”

Zoro nodded, and with nothing more to say, Cain’s form blurred, transforming into a gust of wind. In the blink of an eye, he vanished across the horizon.

The Divine Calamity stronghold quickly disappeared from view as Cain surged forward through the sky, leaving the relative safety of his camp behind. The air grew colder. The skies darker. He was now truly alone—deep within hostile territory, where every living soul wanted him dead.

But rather than fear, nostalgia filled Cain’s heart.

He had walked this kind of road before—dangerous, uncertain, and lined with blood. It was in solitude that he had grown strong, where he had carved his path not with alliances, but with resolve and cunning.

That flicker of warmth quickly faded.

What replaced it was a burning hunger—the insatiable will to consume. This autonomy wasn’t just a strategic move. It was a hunt.

Cain now had the freedom to eliminate enemies on his own terms, to absorb their souls, harvest their power, and strengthen the Scarlet Throne with every kill.