Chapter 2472

Maxim let out a deep sigh.

He had indeed used Thresmund to further his own revenge plan. However, after so many years, Maxim had come to see Thresmund as his own child.

Unfortunately, fate had not been kind to him, and the desire for revenge in his heart would never fade.

"No matter what, this is probably the curse that fate has placed on me."

"What do you mean? Why? Why?!" Thresmund shouted angrily. "Just like what your master said, are you going to deny the meaning behind his death? Are you not running away as well?

"The Celestial Tree may be in the wrong, but if you destroy it, what will happen to the beings in this region? The humans, the animals-what will become of them?!"

Maxim let out another heavy sigh. "Don't worry, child. You don't need to know these things."

"I do need to know!" Thresmund stepped forward, overwhelmed with emotion. In his eyes, his father had always been like this-never willing to share anything with him, his so-called son.

"You always act like you carry the world on your shoulders. Your need for revenge is all in your head! Dad..."

Hearing the word 'Dad', Maxim looked at Thresmund again, his eyes filled with regret and helplessness.

"My child..."

"Dad, please stop seeking revenge... I beg you... I don't care what you've used me for. In my eyes, nothing is more important than having you by my side."

Thresmund was not trying to play on emotions, but he had noticed something peculiar during Maxim's story. Maxim, too, had eaten the fruit.

This meant that, in a way, his life was also tied to the Celestial Tree. If Maxim sought revenge, he would undoubtedly die as well.

Thresmund could not accept such a reckless act. He knew full well that Maxim had been using him all these years for his abilities. But even so, what did it matter?

Thresmund had already lost everything; he could not bear to lose his only family.

He came here with two goals. The first was to stop Maxim from continuing with his plans to at least convince him to cancel the competition. The second and more difficult goal was to stop Maxim from making this painful sacrifice.

Thresmund knew that Maxim had made up his mind, but he could not stand by and watch him give up everything.

"Child, it's useless. It's all over."

Thresmund took slow steps forward, tears welling up in his eyes as he reached out his hand. His fingers grasped the corner of Maxim's robe.

"Dad, please don't leave me..."

Maxim's face was expressionless, but he shook his head repeatedly. "It's no use. Once it's started, it can't be stopped."

"For what, Dad? Why are you doing this?"

"For the greater good and..." Maxim turned to look at Thresmund, his gaze growing firm. "For your future."

"Dad..." Thresmund collapsed, becoming unconscious under Harkin's spell.

Looking at Thresmund, who now lay peacefully on the ground, Maxim could not hold back his emotions any longer. His eyes reddened, and tears welled up.

Harkin spoke up, "So, what now? Shall we proceed?"

"Yes," Maxim replied while standing up. "Control his body, like before."

Harkin went up to Thresmund's shoulders, coiling herself around him. After a moment, Thresmund slowly stood up with a blank expression.

"Shall I brainwash him again, like last time?" Harkin asked.

"No need. He already knows everything, and there's no point in doing it again. Just control him until the competition is over."

Harkin let out a sinister giggle. "Maxim, you really haven't changed at all. You're just like how you were back then."