Capítulo 4: Chapter 4: The Lie That Sparked a War
Abaddon's massive warship approached the vibrant planet of Nebula, the Emperor's seat of power. Its engines roared as it descended, casting a shadow over the golden spires of the imperial palace. Inside the throne room, Emperor Morris sat on his gilded throne, his piercing gaze fixed on the approaching figure of his trusted commander.
Abaddon entered the room, his steps deliberate and his expression carefully composed. Bowing deeply, he addressed the Emperor.
"Your Grace," Abaddon began, his voice steady though his nerves betrayed him. "I have returned from the mission you assigned me. I bear messages from the leaders of Earth."
Emperor Morris rose from his throne with a grace that belied his immense power. Striding forward, he loomed over Abaddon, his presence oppressive. "Speak, Abaddon," the Emperor thundered. "Tell me the news."
Abaddon kept his head bowed, carefully choosing his words. "Your Grace, I regret to inform you that the people of Earth have rejected your good grace. They are adamant in their defiance and have declared war upon you. While on my mission, we were attacked without provocation, bombarded with all manner of weapons. I suspect they may even have outside support from the outer worlds."
The Emperor's face darkened, a vivid green flush creeping across his features as his fury mounted. His voice shook the chamber. "Is this true, Abaddon? Do they truly plan to take my goodwill for granted?"
"Yes, my lord," Abaddon stammered, lowering his head further. "They are resolute in their hostility and seem determined to wage war against your empire."
"Grrrrrrrraaaaaaa!" roared the Emperor, his voice reverberating like thunder. "I will make them kneel! I will make them pay for their insolence. They will regret ever spitting on my generosity."
The Emperor's fury was palpable, his anger simmering like a storm about to break. He paused, collecting his thoughts, before issuing his next command. His tone was deadly calm, laced with malice.
"Abaddon," he said, stepping closer to his commander, "I am giving you a fresh order. Return to Earth. Crush their defiance. Make its inhabitants kneel before me, and bring me the heads of their leaders. Only then will they understand the price of their arrogance."
Without waiting for a response, the Emperor turned sharply on his heel and stormed out of the throne room, his golden cape billowing behind him. Abaddon remained in a deep bow until the Emperor was out of sight. As the heavy doors closed, Abaddon straightened, his expression unreadable.
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Far away, back at the northern camp, Azazel and Rahel sat together, the shadows of their war-torn surroundings looming over them. Rahel's voice was quiet yet firm as she recounted the truth behind the war.
"As you can see, Azazel," she said, her gaze distant, "this was the true cause of the war. It wasn't merely about the Emperor's greed—it was provoked by lies."
Azazel frowned, his brow furrowing. "So, you're telling me our leaders provoked the war?"
Rahel shook her head. "Not entirely. The war was set in motion by a single lie, one told by Commander Abaddon—the Emperor's most trusted enforcer. He claimed Earth rejected the Emperor's offer and attacked first. But none of that was true. It was a fabrication, designed to inflame the Emperor's wrath."
Azazel's fists clenched as the weight of Rahel's words sank in. "So, all of this—this bloodshed, this destruction—was because of one man's lie?"
"Yes," Rahel said softly. "A lie told to avoid the consequences of failure. And because of that lie, the Emperor unleashed his fury, and the war began."
The two sat in silence, the enormity of the revelation pressing down on them. The war, which had cost so many lives and shattered countless worlds, was not born of necessity or even justice. It was the result of a deceitful act, one that condemned billions to suffering. For Azazel, the knowledge burned like a fresh wound, and the question lingered in his mind: Was there any way to end this madness?
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