Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start?

408  Chapter404-Sargeras’s Challenge

Inside the secluded realm, Leslie stood still, staring at Owen's departing figure. After a long silence, she murmured to herself,

"Owen, what exactly are you planning in that mind of yours?"

Though Owen hid his thoughts well, Leslie could still sense something unusual about him. She knew he was carrying a heavy burden, yet she couldn't fathom what he was truly contemplating.

"Imperial Sovereign!"

As Owen exited the secluded realm, Charlotte was already waiting for him outside the grand hall of the Emerald Dreamscape, holding Seraphina in her arms.

Upon seeing Owen, Seraphina wriggled free from Charlotte's grasp and leaped into Owen's embrace, her face lighting up with excitement.

Owen ruffled her hair gently, holding her close before turning to Charlotte and giving her a slight nod.

Charlotte understood immediately—Owen had chosen to accept the challenge.

She was about to speak when she felt a commanding presence approaching from behind.

A slightly indignant voice echoed from a distance.

"Owen, are you planning to keep me waiting here forever?"

"I've been waiting for months, and the few times we've met have been rushed. Are you really that afraid of me?"

Venus stepped forward, her strides graceful and confident. She was dressed in an elegant, pure white gown, reminiscent of a bridal dress, making her look like a noble swan.

Beside her, Ysera followed with a complicated expression.

Venus's accusatory tone prompted Owen to respond coolly.

"Why would you say that, Venus? The situation has been worsening. After my battle with Sargeras, I've been in seclusion to strengthen myself. Besides, you should know how clingy Leslie can be at times."

At first, Venus thought Owen was making excuses, but his last remark made her lower her gaze slightly.

Well then. Not only was he brushing her off, but he was openly flaunting his relationship with Leslie.

Meanwhile, Ysera's expression soured with frustration. To her, Leslie was an icon of admiration and respect. For Owen to test her patience like this was outrageous!

Both women harbored some resentment toward Owen but soon noticed the presence of the child in his arms.

At first, neither paid Seraphina much mind. But after a closer examination, their expressions shifted dramatically.

Despite her innocent appearance, Seraphina emanated a terrifyingly powerful bloodline aura. Even these two figures, from prestigious lineages themselves, felt an oppressive pressure emanating from her.

Intrigued, Venus smiled warmly and beckoned to Seraphina.

"Come here, little one."

Seraphina glanced at her disinterestedly and snuggled deeper into Owen's embrace.

"Auntie, do we even know each other?"

The words left Venus visibly stunned.

Though she had lived for centuries—especially after traversing through the Time Array—she had never been called "Auntie."

As the Goddess of Beauty, her ageless looks and unparalleled charm had always captivated those around her. This child's casual remark disrupted her composure, leaving ripples across her usually serene demeanor.

Her eyes narrowed at Seraphina.

Who on earth is this cheeky brat?

Owen intervened, his expression serious.

"She's just a child, Venus."

Venus: "…"

Suppressing her frustration, Venus huffed and turned back to Owen.

"You're here now because of Sargeras's challenge, aren't you?"

Sargeras's announcement had already spread far and wide. Countless mages were now eagerly awaiting Owen's appearance, hoping he would showcase his power and rescue them from their dire plight.

After all, if Owen emerged victorious, the chaos would finally subside.

With the Burning Legion seemingly infinite in number, no place felt safe.

Owen met Venus's gaze with his usual calm.

Venus scrutinized him, speaking thoughtfully.

"I hadn't realized before how much influence you wield. Even Sargeras has taken the initiative to challenge you."

"This duel is critical. If you win, your reputation in the Pure Land will solidify, and it will greatly benefit our future endeavors."

"My father, the God of Light, rose to prominence through his battles with the Burning Legion. If you can completely defeat them, your achievements may surpass even his."

Venus's tone was earnest.

In her heart, the God of Light was one of the most exceptional figures to stand against The Celestial. Yet even he had failed. To stand a chance of victory, Owen needed to surpass him.

She was already striving toward that goal herself, but in Owen, she saw hope.

Owen, however, remained silent, choosing instead to focus on playing with Seraphina, whose laughter rang out joyfully.

Ysera observed Venus's high regard for Owen with a complicated expression. Upon reflection, Owen's past deeds justified her admiration, as he truly possessed immense potential.

Yet as Loki's daughter and the leader of the Emerald Dreamscape, Ysera saw Venus's perspective as overly simplistic.

This duel was no ordinary battle.

Sargeras's so-called negotiations were nothing but a façade. Despite his terrifying strength, Sargeras was merely a pawn—a figurehead with no true authority in The Celestial. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

This duel, Ysera realized, wasn't just a clash between Owen and Sargeras. It was a confrontation between Owen and The Celestial itself.

Owen's acceptance of the duel meant walking into a trap laid by powers far greater than Sargeras.

Yet Ysera knew Owen would have no choice but to participate. The masterminds behind this scheme had ensured he couldn't refuse.

As Ysera studied Owen with a conflicted gaze, he suddenly noticed her scrutiny.

"Are you worried about me?" he asked.

Ysera shook her head emphatically.

"I'm worried about Leslie, not you. I want to see her."

After a moment of thought, Owen nodded.

"Go ahead."

With a casual wave of his hand, he tore open the void, revealing a portal shimmering with light.

Ysera froze in surprise.

The secluded realm was a private sanctuary for Owen and Leslie, one that only a select few were allowed to enter.

Yet now, Owen had granted her access so easily.

"What's the matter? Changed your mind?" Owen teased when Ysera hesitated.

Snapping out of her daze, Ysera shook her head and hurried through the portal.

Seraphina watched her leave with a pout.

"Master, why did you let an outsider in?"

Owen stroked her head reassuringly.

"Leslie isn't in the best mood right now. Letting Ysera keep her company might help."

Seraphina didn't fully understand but trusted Owen's decisions.

Turning to Venus, she furrowed her brows and asked suspiciously,

"Why are you staring at me like that? Are you like Ysera and into women? I'm just a kid, you pervert!"

Owen nearly choked at her words, while Venus's face turned visibly irritated for the first time.

What nonsense!

She had only been curious about Seraphina's powerful bloodline, yet this cheeky brat had twisted her intentions entirely.

Suppressing her annoyance, Venus turned her gaze back to Owen.

"You've decided to accept the duel, haven't you? Sargeras is already waiting outside the Emerald Dreamscape, along with countless mages eager to witness your resolve."

Venus still hoped Owen would seize this opportunity. A victory would greatly advance their cause.

With a swift movement, Owen vanished, reappearing on the outskirts of the Emerald Dreamscape.

There, he felt countless powerful auras converging. Among them, Sargeras's presence stood out—terrifying, overwhelming, and unmistakably brazen.