“Broxus?” the Sorcerer Emperor asked, “What’s the emergency that you had no time to prepare for an audience and came rushing here directly? I was sure you were supposed to be at the continent of Xiri.”
Broxus knelt on one knee, “Most Revered Sovereign, I’m afraid I have failed you.”
The Emperor maintained his unchanging expression with a gentle tone,”Oh? Such result must indeed astonish. Master from Methadon reported that Howard the Dark Gospel must be severely injured so bad that his powers are about to plummet away. You, along with Qiuji and Master Smit at the helm, even without great victorie, a small success should have certainly be claimed.”
Habus subconsciously narrowed his brows in disdain, these demonic aristocrats were famous within the Ebon Covenant; the young prodigy, Qiyu, but the Broxus Duke rival powerful even elder Princes. After all, just chasing bloodline vampires who fled from Twilight land, and the demonic race has actually dispatched two of their best Dukes and a Warlock.
especially the demonic race ‘s magicians – they’ve not been seen on any battlefield for a long a time. However, Habus, inheriting the memories of Metadon, recalled only too well how dangerous the combo between War-mages of Darkness and combatants turned out: Their arcane secrets along with controlling weaponry could boost combat effectiveness multiply-fold instead. Even at peak of his power, Howard still had no real means to withstand this particular arrangement head-on.
Low bowing deeper, the duke explained himself, “It was my impatience, I launched a precipitous attack before receiving support from reinforcements. The vanguard was almost annhilated with only minimal survivors rescued, and My flagship got sunk.”
Putting aside his scripture, The emperor expression lost some of its gentleness, “Indeed an undesirable tidings. You must have come urgently before me now only for penance.”
“I beg to offer repentment,” Bowing lower first, Broxus followed,” Before the atonement comes, something crucial must reach your ear.”
Yet he didn’t continue further, giving a discreet side-glance toward Habus.
The monarch gestured, “Habus is free to stay and hear this. Proceed.”
“As You Commanded. Majesty, it is that I finally engaged with Qianye personally in confrontation where the dark tome revealed before my sight an unprecedented vision”
Duke Broxus then raised both arms forward conjuring a cloud of dark magical mists; within displayed vividly the very figure of Qianye. All magical evolutions, from dark tome creation process of world-building and all racial births throughout the ages were recorded in vivid detail.
Seeing continents formed and varieties of creatures arising, The Emperor sprang upright with awe, before slowly resuming his seated posture again, casting a bitter smile toward Habus, “Earlier today, I was expressing concerns of uncertainly if I could honor my own promises.”
Remaining still, slight incline upward, Habus only looked on the emperor silently. His face betraying no emotion while sapphire-blue cold eyes locked onto the Emperor.
The emperor withdrew from the intense gaze, instructing, “Show once more the vision.”
Promptly repeating his gestures, the Duke replayed the vision; until flourishing lands teeming with countless sentient lives came into view vivid details. Then suddenly it ceased.
Rapt in watching, Emperor in subconscious query, “And then?”
“Nothing More,”
“Why stop there?”
“Qianye had retracted the Black Tome back into being.”
Contemplating briefly with an amused smile, The ruler replied. “The child’s perception truly exceeds expectation. Sometimes though he seems overly carefree. Tell me in full details the fight’s progression if you would – leaving nothing unspoken.”
“At once, My Liege!”
Proceeding forthwith into his report narrative, The duke began explaining the whole engagement: Qianye’s sudden boarding of the flagship, the escalating warfare leading to its downfall, and his own desperate retreat afterward. He gave a rather detailed assessment not only into Qianye’s ability and power output, but into overall tactical evaluation of power balances between forces and even observed battlefield anomalies related to magical laws changes. Had Qianye heard this, perhaps he would have been surprised himself how sharp and calculating – yet previously concealing such depth under arrogance – this esteemed Dukedom had been underneath it all. Patient and focused remained the monarch all the while listening attentively, posing insightful inquiries now and then.
Upon completion, The Duke expressed his remorseful heart,”I had acted hastily, overestimating myself. But I now beg another chance at vengeance. If Qyuci were aiding again, under the support magic by Smaet Archmage once more I’d guarantee capturing Qianye and yetou. As the crippled Howard only hampers lightly. He won’t trouble us for long.”
Shaking head the Sorcerer monarch, however, dissented,”The prior encounter could’ve worked out that way, true; yet with their knowledge now that you’ve come seeking them out – they won’t make same mistake again. You’ll find it more difficult thereafter.”
“But surely mere Duke ranks still manageable—.”Broxus attempted again with protest…
Cut him gently Emperor.:”Indeed I had considered requesting Kelaos’ intervention… however, he oversees pressing matters. Besides, Blacksun Gorge still awaits for his watchful governance. For you to meet Sora’s recommendation – Seek out Chancellor Merkel then obtain a formal missive bearing My Seigneur Crest upon it, so your command carries sufficient authority.”
Somewhat astounded by the degree of importance the monarch assigned towards this “Qianye”. Unspoken yet clear.
Interrupted, with derisiveness clear, Habus interjected bluntly”Only to suppress some trivial-scale holy campaign – and we are deploying a mighty ruler and an elder Wolf-Lord into field?!”
The disdain was apparent. Broxus swung sharply backward throwing glare at him, readying an argument.
Yet the emperor intervened with command calmly before escalation: “Proceed then, Broxus.”
The ducat instantly shifted back restoring respectful composure, performed courtly gesture before departing.
Nevertheless, the tranquility from beforehand was impossible restoration the moment he left – The ambiance turned frigid as if frozen in place inside study hall.
Pacing to his feet, the emperor stood – an utterly unusual gesture for such regal presence.
Dominion sovereigns stood as summit among dominion sovereigns and regarded by most mortals akin godly entities surveying over all life beneath them. Even as Twilight Sovereign occasionally manifested herself in projection during grand councils – her fleeting appearance already evoked spontaneous kneeling. In terms of affability the monarch was considered most among the dominion; yet in hesitation – that wasn’t a human-like struggle ever displayed for mortals to perceive.
Eyes shut and leaning back like asleep, a few short moments later however, still half-closed eyes opened slowly to break silents:”Emperor Kain… Must Lin Xitang perished – is killing those connected him likewise necessary?”
Frozen footsteps halted while emperor regarded him back passively without blinking. In this very same room where sunlight never touched. This marked their most initial direct addressing upon such topic directly between their two immortal beings.
“Prior demise of Longlivius came news from him – stating that humankind had been secretly plotting long plans aimed at subverting the balance of powers within our realm.”
“Such balance, though. It represents fundamenta’s rule. How possibly overturned?”
“Yes it won’t happen instantaneously. Seems preposterous. Common belief scoffs its possibility. Yet observe well: the Dawn Realm keeps expanding gradually the pie chart of our shared powers.”
His expression ever gentleness, the Emperor continued “Now the planner this current generation bears the name Lin Xitang.”
“Such notion utterly unfathomably absurd, something never even crossed our shadowed kind, how then would humankind actually hope for success?”
“Lovely Habus dear, ability to hear whispering from world law isn’t reserved only by Myself. Nor shall this understanding remain exclusive within my Dominion alone…”
Abnormally wide opening eyes, Habus pierced gaze back onto the throne where monarch was still seated; The Emperor implying something truly unexpected – something Habus initially felt he must be misinterpreting.
“This very revelation’s mere existence – regardless its veracity, regardless even belief by others: shall cause tremors unsettling throughout endless Covenant Night.
He further elaborated,”That precisely why, till now, four is thy number.”
Clarifying even more explicitly upon the revelation meant precisely that realization that dominion knew most profoundly concerning fundamental rules – they all felt something imperceiptible shifting. Thus reached certain accord between these entities.
“Incidentally tragic, that beautiful star chart’s existence could endure merely mere six score years at most in such realities, which isn’t even sufficient time for rearing our young. More so tragic however lies in being target of his purge intent. Worse – I cannot even discern way of altering his conviction anymore.”
Silence stretched a time…then followed bitter amusement from Habus’ mouth, “Of course short-life’s rigid persistence arises from awareness their life’s brevity. Anything distant remains ungraspable abstraction they deemed unworthy pursuit…Lin the Marshal possibly more certain than all within possession regarding future, hence why he became immovably determined.”
Affirming, the sorcerer emperour added, “Indeed – the human essence is contradiction incarnate themselves. Their very short life drives focus upon transient, yet even limited perspectives haven’t steered paths wrongly all the same.”
He took pause, composed yet solemn voice:”Husbandry of foes such we now face becomes no easy matter.”
Then, finally, second attempt from prior agenda resurface, Habus pressed:”Shall you eliminate to roots causes disturbing your peaceful sleep?”
Long pause…Then, The monarch remained silent lengthily longer than usual; finally answered:”Should reference upon Lin, nay – I cannot execute again, a dying sentence upon one whose original soul self-eradicated. Therefore remains now unstable even his skeleton, once crystal marrow released forthwith disintegrates.”
“Original Soul?”
Merely academic convenience, a borrowed term. The Demon researches theorized certain analogy existing even between mortal and eternity-kind souls which, when powerful enough resisting destiny’s erosion wheel shall lead potential awakening in eons afar. But mortal lives never lasts to meet that potential.
“Indeed…” The thought rendered man momentarily still, “…So you’d root out down to Qianye the last leaf?
Another gentle negative shake.
“Nay Habus dear, perhaps important Qianye still remains… still, the Blackbook’s import exceeds. Even one or another’s passing remains insignificant…When purification of new world achieved, incompatible with new realm existence naturally fades. Just… different, was Lin.”
A soft magical breeze fluttered roomward. In mid-air, projection arose mirroring once seen world evolution in繁shengzhang. Gazing at the spectacle silently until fading out, The Sorcerer King murmured contemplately:”Frequent viewings, still as enjoyable anew..”
“A vision of pure and perfected world is what we seek?”
“Closer yet to a world as it inherently must be – untouched of dawn residue. Despite attempts at scrubbing them from existence completely – their imprints once existing remain etched somewhere. Thusly even the Book’s world remain idealistic dreams forever just beyond reach. That however, shall not deter striving toward idealistic world.”
Another round prolonged silence hung the air.
Rising, he left study table pacing toward bay windows to gaze the far horizon.
“Odd you’ve spoken so many of late.”
Wry self-deprecating humor laced monarch’s reply “Even steadfast belief carries moments confusion wandering path uncertainty. Thus, regard all this as mere murmured self-speech if you will.”
A curious look returned Habus’s way as he glanced back.
“I always believed such troubles afflicted only us lower orders exclusively.”
“Ah, Habus my heart, never did you deserve to bear such uncertainty. What truly separates thyself, you others beneath me from myself?”
Stated so casually like that left even Habus momentarily nonplussed; Contradictionary to every known hierarchy and ranking doctrine underpinning endless ebon-night dominions: Dominion ranks and Eternal nobility could NEVER equated as equals. Yet upon second reflection he realized inability arguing logic further – indeed Adventurer Kain remains identical to Emperor Kain in character.
“Well… admit you make sound reasoning.”
Reclaimed a scroll beside chair, the Sovereign flipped casually before pausing interest exclaiming, “Is this discussing ancient war era supply management? A fascinating rarity.”
However smile returning Habus didn’t chase the thread. Instead redirected inquiry with renewed intensity.
“Therefore, Emperor Kain. Have you resolved final course of action you intend to follow through next.”
“Await righteously. Here. Studying literature until the grand gates to Blacksun Vale finally unseal themselves.”
“But surely not sealed still after original time projections. Many days past estimate they already have.”
“Now therein arises peculiar perplexing. New world’s governing will appears increasingly resistant. Defiant response met repeatedly each probe I attempt. This intelligence, it’s demonstrating… near sentience in opposition manner far beyond expected from world’s essence itself.”
“What essence could it possess? If intelligence indeed it holds, what nature could it embody?”
“Remain unclear. I remain as clueless.” The emperor said honestly.
At that moment even Habus, found a strange unfamiliar parallel rising into cognition – As if now conversing with a junior apprentice failing answer to teacher’s query. Memories of Metadon swirling, realization struck that dealing with explorer Kain remained equally challenging in his own distinct manner versus ruling Emperor Kain.
Shaking head slowly while returning back study desk to resume perusing archaic texts. Most indeed bloodkind treasures, none yet read. Regarding fragile calm now stretched within their two immortal hearts… none predicted how soon that might soon shattered again.
In far away empire… Before doorway opening into new domain – clandestine military assembling underway.
Though limited in number their equipments ranked superior than any known fleet. Fully-armors to the tooth, all equipped floating dreadnoughts newest in class. Hull grey camouflages distinguish entirely separate from usual colors assigned to imperial bodyguards.
At proximity not far from battle armada floated a modest unassuming cruiser – Inside where two figures conversed.
“Esteemed King Zhang, tread with extreme caution ahead. Preserve thyself above all else. Retreat timely if outcome appear grim. “
Zhang responded solemnity clear on face.
“Tide of war this crucial requires decisive stroke upon favorable timing – I must endeavor sever strength enemy forces where possible for sake of our countrymen.”
“You shouldn’t press so hard if unnecessary.”
“You are aware of the looming chaos in darkness lands correct? Once demons consolidated dominion over all Veylan clans unified; where shall our Empire stand henceforth?”
“Therein always lays an alternative path.”
Finger stroking jaw contemplatively, Haodi replied thoughtfully, seeking change topic.
“Regarding Red Manjha Lotus…”
Curtained by interruption, Zhang added:
“Fragments matter not. Possessing nor not – they change naught. Worse using improperly, actually weaken effect.”
“You raise a fair opinion; Yet should legendary blades outmatch wielders themselves upon destiny scales then why both Haodi & Ling Jiang Wang not simply invoked Human Sovereign weaponry back in the war?”
Another rebuttled. Suddenly Haodi experienced flash understanding of mentor’s frustration.
Unexpectedly in middle their speech, they felt an approaching presence. Turning their gaze together toward entryway. Knocking ensued.
“Enter,” the Emperor commanded
Into came a military lady officer – a second scrutiny identified as Her Grace Li.
The sovereign asked first: “Is the battle-ready preparations already complete.”
“We successfully return aboard our newly-developed battle cruiser,” Queen Lee answered. “We had remained for four days inside Newworld; despite a slight damage to the key machinery, the data analysis suggests the warship is currently capable of continuous operation for about two month. However, given environmental adversity of Black Sun Gorge, we estimate operational capability limited within just approximately forty days upon actual deployment there.”
“Regarding celestial foreboding,” the Emperor’s curiosity pressed forward. “Any omen observed?”
Little expectation laid beneath such inquiry itself. Already Sovereign-ranked powers struggled comprehending Newworld’s Will. Employing prophetic arts against such enigma bordering on suicidal. Empire seers tasked at peripheries, already mostly encountered impenetrable mental obfuscation when probing.
Yet surprisingly, Li answered hesitating tone in voice.
“On our latest reconnaissance attempt… strange perception returned…New world consciousness appeared exhibiting signs suggesting goodwill toward Mankind…”
“Will?善意？” The sovereign gasped astonished.
Equally flabbergasted, Prince Zhang interjected “Never have perceived such warmth during past excursions there.”
Nod of conformation.
“Indeed. This very oddity caught myself quite off guarded… I dared to attempt slight contact. The feeling received, it appeared desiring our entrance within its innermost chamber,” She concluded with solemn expression.
Exchanging looks.
“If our perceptions proves true then favorable opportunity arises indeed. Nevertheless remain ever cautious should the heavenly omens be distorted by enemy forces’ will,” the warning issued.
This time without any further rebuttals from the war hero; Only a respectful nod.
Gazing upon Li with softened visage, sovereign reminded gravely “Next mission forbidding same unnecessary risk undertaken.”
Stilled in moment hesitation she finally bowed “Understand.”
Rising immediately afterwards Commander Zhang stood upright ready, saluted formally.
“If we’ve everything readied now… Then I shall depart immediately.”
The emperor rose alongside escort gesture:
“May your flag lead victorious.”
The warrior figure concentrated aura condensing around self as instantly vanished from command room. The voyage of fate begun.
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