Bab 36: The Emperor
Mohg walked through the grand hallways, documents in hand. Servants bowed deeply as he passed. As the Prime Minister of the Underworld and the Emperor's right-hand man, it was their duty to show respect.
But Mohg was long used to such displays. Even before His Majesty ascended the Throne, Mohg had commanded reverence as the sole Sacred being in the Underworld, the protector of its people for millennia.
He stopped before an imposing door and knocked.
From beyond, Raphael's calm voice echoed.
"Come in."
Mohg entered the office and found Raphael seated behind a mountain of documents, tirelessly attending to his duties.
Without looking up, Raphael sighed at the sight of the papers in Mohg's hands.
"Give them here."
Mohg silently handed them over.
"Your Majesty, I can take care of these for you," he offered.
Raphael shook his head firmly.
"No, Mohg. You already have enough responsibilities."
Mohg sighed, stepping aside to stand quietly near his Emperor. Hours passed as Raphael worked through the endless reports. Finally, he raised his head, frowning at Mohg.
"Why are you still here? Don't you have things to attend to?"
Mohg bowed. "I've finished my tasks, my lord."
Raphael grinned suddenly and sprang from his chair.
"Take me there!"
Mohg smiled faintly and led the way, exiting the office.
As they walked, Raphael noticed two children running through the hallways. He crouched down, catching them both mid-sprint.
"Hey! What did I say about not running in the halls?"
The children's faces lit up upon seeing him.
"Big brother!" they exclaimed in unison.
Raphael couldn't help but smile as he began tickling them.
"Hahaha—we're sorry! Hahaha!"
He finally relented, setting them down gently.
The boy hesitated, then asked shyly, "Big brother… can we do what we did last time?"
Raphael tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
The girl tugged at his kimono and chimed in, "Can we fly on the dragon like before?"
Raphael froze. As an Emperor, he was supposed to be without weakness. But when it came to children…
'Argh… if you ask me like this, I can't refuse!'
He sighed dramatically. "Alright. Later, not now. Go gather all the children."
The kids beamed with joy and ran off, laughter trailing behind them.
Raphael's smile faded as he watched them go. He could see their souls—and the dark seeds buried within. He regretted bringing them to this place, but there had been no other choice. At least within Mohg's domain, they were safe from the Nightmare Spell.
"Let's go," Raphael said, his tone somber.
Mohg nodded and continued leading him.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the Throne Room. On either side of the throne were intricate circles of glowing runes.
"Do they work?" Raphael asked.
Mohg nodded. After over a year of effort, they had successfully replicated a Nether Portal.
"With this," Mohg said, "sending people to the Overworld is no longer an issue."
"Are they ready?"
"Yes, my lord. As you commanded—fifty thousand Awakened, one thousand Ascended, and forty Saints stand ready for war."
A predatory grin spread across Raphael's face. He could finally fulfill his promise.
"Good. We'll strike when they least expect it."
Mohg mirrored his Emperor's smile.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Raphael left the Throne Room and walked toward the living quarters of the humans. Three and a half months had passed since the Siege of Falcon Scott. When the survivors had reported what had happened, the people had been furious. Demonstrations erupted against the Clans, and some had even formed a cult dedicated to Raphael.
Though the demonstrations were quelled, the resentment lingered.
As he walked, humans bowed deeply in his presence. He acknowledged them with a nod and a smile.
When he arrived, he found Master Verne speaking with an elderly man. Verne noticed Raphael and immediately bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"Raise your head, Verne. You are my guest," Raphael said warmly.
"Still, Your Majesty—"
Raphael shook his head, cutting him off.
"I came to tell you that in two weeks, you'll be able to leave the Underworld."
Master Verne's face brightened at the news, but he glanced at the non-Awakened nearby with concern.
"Don't worry," Raphael assured him. "We'll provide charms to protect them from the Nightmare Spell. But I recommend having those capable of conquering their first Nightmare do so."
He glanced at a nearby training ground.
"In the end, we've trained them rigorously to ensure they can face any Nightmare."
Master Verne sighed in relief and nodded.
Raphael turned and headed toward the children, who ran to him with laughter and joy.
"So," he said with a grin, "who wants to fly on a dragon's back?"
The children cheered, running toward him.
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Days passed peacefully, and Raphael cherished the fleeting calm, knowing it wouldn't last.
Finally, the day came—the day to fulfill his promise to the Sovereigns.
Raphael sat upon his Throne, his gaze sweeping over the thousands of soldiers kneeling before him. Mohg approached, carrying a cup filled with a golden liquid.
Raphael stared at the cup, knowing what it represented. It held an immense concentration of divinity. Drinking it would awaken Nether within him.
He hesitated, reluctant. But sometimes, sacrifices were necessary.
With a deep breath, Raphael drank.
For an Ascended—or even most Saints—such a dense amount of divinity would have been lethal. But Raphael was different.
Within his soul, something ancient and terrifying stirred.
Mohg watched his Emperor, a rare smile gracing his face. After millennia, he felt the presence of his true lord.
The soldiers shuddered as an overwhelming, suffocating aura of killing intent filled the hall. Yet they felt elation, not fear.
Raphael opened his eyes, he felt infinite amount of essence inside of him, his power were ten times stronger . Rising from his throne, he addressed the army:
"My soldiers… this is the day the Empire reveals itself to the world. Those who call themselves Sovereigns dared to disrespect me. Do you accept this?!"
The soldiers slammed their spears into the ground in unison, their voices thunderous.
"No, Your Majesty!!"
"I warned them, yet they did not listen. Now, as promised, I will show them the Wrath of the Underworld!"
He raised both hands, his voice commanding.
"Rise, my soldiers, and become the spears that deliver my wrath!"
The soldiers rose to their feet, their spears striking the ground once more.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Mohg turned to the army and bellowed:
"Long live the Empire! Long live the Emperor!"
The soldiers echoed him in unison, their voices shaking the very walls.
Raphael turned to Mohg.
"I'll go first."
Mohg bowed deeply. "May Nether's blessings be with you, Your Grace."
Raphael nodded and disappeared into the Waking Realm.
The Battle of the Black Skull had begun long ago.
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Short chapter, but I think stopping here is good. Another chapter will be uploaded today ending this volume!
Anyway see you after 3 or 4 hours👋
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone