Chapter 879 Oath
Chapter 879 Oath
The goddess furrowed her brow, clearly unimpressed with their kneeling and speech. She frowned and remarked, "Slaves don't talk like that."
Cameron grinned subserviently, "So, how should we bow, goddess?"
"You should say something like this," the goddess instructed, "I willingly submit to the goddess as my master, entrusting my whole life and soul to her care. I won't disobey any command from the goddess, even if it means death. If I break this oath, I'll be cursed!"
Cameron hadn't anticipated such a severe oath for allegiance. Though such oaths were often empty, given her immense power, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear. Yet, considering their need to survive, pledging themselves seemed like the only viable choice today. If they didn't honor the goddess, they might be coerced into suicide by Benjamin. So, they knelt before the goddess once more, bowing deeply and loudly declaring, "I willingly submit to the goddess as my master, entrusting my whole life and soul to her care. I won't disobey any command from the goddess, even if it means death. If I break this oath, I'll be cursed!"
Benjamin and the other Dragon Corps members watched in bewilderment, their faces blank. They had never seen such strange rituals in today's civilized society.
The goddess accepted the two men's worship and oath with a pleased and contented expression. After James and Cameron finished, she nodded and said, "Good, very good. Now that you've acknowledged me as your master, I'll grant you power and abilities. But first, I must change your names because slaves can't have surnames. What were your names before?"
"Master, my name is James Montes," James declared.
"Master, I'm Cameron Simmons," Cameron added.
"Oh, I see," the goddess nodded. "Your names fit my criteria. Let's drop your surnames. From now on, you'll be James Nova and Cameron Nova. You both show great promise. I'll now transform you and infuse you with new energy!"
With that, the goddess placed her hands on the men's shoulders, and a potent energy radiated from her, enveloping them in a golden light. James and Cameron experienced intense pain all over their bodies, akin to needles and fire. They couldn't help but groan and scream.
"Hang in there, it'll be over soon!" the goddess reassured, steadily channeling her Inner Energy to gradually open their meridians. Eventually, the energy surrounding James and Cameron shifted from blue to light green, then to dark green, finally settling in the dark green spectrum.
What's happening? Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm!
Benjamin could hardly believe his eyes. It had taken him years of effort to reach the First-stage Celestial Realm, yet James and Cameron, who had forcefully boosted their energy to the Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm in an instant, were just a step away from his level! And with their energy still rising steadily, it seemed that after overcoming the trial and ascending to the First-stage Celestial Realm, they might even surpass higher levels.
The goddess gazed at her two new slaves in the Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm, smiling softly. "Excellent, very good. Cameron, James. You are now my slaves. Your duty is to protect and serve me."
"We'll follow your orders, master!" Cameron and James replied, not daring to defy her after witnessing a miracle and acknowledging the goddess as their master.
"Good," the goddess said. "Cameron, James. There are a dozen people standing there looking foolish. What are they waiting for?"
Cameron explained, "Master, those folks don't accept your authority. They refuse to bow down to you, so they're considered your enemies."
The goddess said calmly, "Oh? In that case, the two of you go and eliminate them all for me. Remember, spare no one!"
Observing the determined gazes of Cameron and James, Benjamin realized they were ready to kill. With the goddess wielding power akin to nuclear weapons and Cameron and James now elevated to the Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm, the Dragon Corps had no chance against them. Benjamin even regretted not swearing allegiance to the goddess himself. Offering loyalty in exchange for advancing to the Second-Stage Celestial Realm would have been a wise move. Benjamin had hit a wall in his progress, finding further advancement challenging.
This was dire. Benjamin anxiously shouted, "The situation has changed, retreat! I'll hold them off!"
Upon Benjamin's command, the team members dispersed in various directions like the wind, vanishing swiftly. The Dragon Corps emphasized the art of escape during training. Fleeing when victory was impossible was a tactic Stormaria was known for, a strategy they embraced without shame.
Retreating was a strategic move to conserve their strength. As the saying goes, as long as there are options, there's hope. They aimed to regroup and prepare for another opportunity rather than futilely challenging an unbeatable foe.
With the team members vanishing suddenly, Cameron and James made a desperate dash towards Benjamin.
Benjamin had reached the First-Stage Celestial Realm, while Cameron and James had forcefully ascended to the Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm. Despite this, there was still a considerable gap in actual strength and energy stability between them. Benjamin's main concern was the goddess, who remained composed but held immense power.
Uncertain of the extent of destruction the goddess could unleash, Benjamin was certain he couldn't withstand her assaults. Luckily, the goddess seemed content to observe her new followers practice without immediate interference. Otherwise, Benjamin might have faced a life-threatening situation.
As Cameron and James charged at him, Benjamin swiftly assumed a defensive stance, channeling The Harmony Strike's protective energy to fend off their attacks.
Cameron and James' punches met the Tai Chi barrier, creating sharp, distinct sounds.
There was no time for hesitation. Benjamin sprinted back along the same path as fast as his legs could carry him!