Emperor's Reckoning



The guards stood frozen in disbelief as they witnessed the incredible impact of the slash. Their eyes widened as the ground split open, revealing a deep chasm that snaked its way through the once-solid floor. The force of the strike had shattered the very foundation of the fortress, leaving a scene of chaos and destruction.

Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring their vision and making it difficult to navigate the crumbling surroundings. The guards struggled to regain their composure, their hands gripping their swords tightly, ready to defend against any potential threat that may arise.

Whispers of astonishment and awe spread among the guards, their voices hushed as they tried to comprehend the immense power that Selena had unleashed. The sheer magnitude of the strike was unlike anything they had ever witnessed before, and it left them both awestruck and apprehensive.

As the dust settled and the guards cautiously navigated the unstable terrain, a palpable tension hung in the air. The impact of Selena's strike reverberated not only within the fortress but also within the hearts and minds of those present. It was a reminder of the immense power wielded by Lyon and his allies, and the potential consequences that lay ahead.

The guards remained on high alert, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of further danger. The once-secure citadel of Celestia now stood as a testament to the unfolding events, its ancient walls bearing witness to the clash of forces that threatened to reshape the fate of Second Heaven.

Rew suddenly felt a presence and his gaze quickly shifted to the sky. His eyes widened the moment he realized who was hovering in the air. "Drogan!"

The other guards quickly looked up as well and noticed the man. 

"Why is he here?!"

"This is a direct attack on the authority of Second Heaven!"

"W-Wait... he looked so... disheveled," said another guard who had a keen eye.

( What a tremendous art, a fragile body like that can split open the ancient fortress of Celestia in one swing ) thought Drogan before he sunk into the realization that his big shots underlings were killed by an overwhelming power instead of schemes as he had initially thought. 

"Crazy woman," said King Valerius as he hovered over the air with rapid breath. "I have no idea she is this powerful."

"Then you need to have more knowledge, that woman is far than ordinary," said King Corvin as he hovered over.

The guards noticed the two kings standing together beside Drogan. They immediately knew the meaning of this. The kingdoms had chosen the sides they wanted to stand by.

"Where's His Majesty?"

"Where is he?"

Rew looked over his guard and saw their trepidations. The army grew nervous and he had to calm them down.

"Valerius! Corvin!" Nyi shouted before he emerged from the ancient fortress with his chest tight and his chin raised. "Your heads will roll today!"

"Y-Your Majesty?!" Rew exclaimed in disbelief. He looked at their young king giving out death threats, a side he had never seen before. As his goosebumps rose, he knew who the enemy was. "Men! Avaloria and Solarien is our enemy!"

"Brat, you finally revealed yourself," said Valerius as he crossed his arms. "Looks like I need to teach you a lesson!"

King Aldric emerged from the ancient fortress with his dignified demeanor. Despite the intensity of the situation he was calm yet his gaze revealed determination. He hovered but he stood on neither side of them.

"Aldric," Corvin furrowed his brows. "Which side you're choosing?"

Aldric shook his head, "This is not as simple as that, you have a secret dealing with Drogan, while I have none, why would I risk something without gaining something back?"

King Aldric glanced at Drogan hoping that the man will offer something of his interest or better yet, his kingdom's, however, Drogan's attention was elsewhere. The latter didn't even spare him basic pleasantries. 

Drogan's eyes wandered, there was a more pressing matter that he had to deal with. Diversions after diversion, the state of the art of fighting. His mind was honed from his experience of how vulnerable and oblivious a cultivator could be.

( Wait a minute, where is Sir Lyon? ) thought Rew before his ears twitched hearing an incoming arrow from the enemy side. He quickly dodged it before countering with an arrow of his own.

The bells of Celestia spontaneously chimed again amidst the ruckus. Its echoes empowered even the sound of clashing blades. Celestia was still alive, and with it, a solemn look was becoming of Drogan's. 

His goosebumps rose as cold clutched on his nape. A moment of aversion was all it took and his eyes became the only muscles that he could move, and even then, it was strenuous. The kings with parted lips looked to their sides and saw.

"Moon Hare art..."

Lyon's voice embodied coldness as his iris turned ambers. His entire skin had already turned bronze as he executed a flawless somersault behind Drogan. His right heel aimed directly toward his head. The swift and precise movement seemed almost ethereal, reminiscent of a celestial dance.

In that fleeting moment, as Lyon's attack approached its target, the sun's rays cast a peculiar glow, as if the moon itself had made an unexpected appearance in the midst of daylight. The pale orb hovered above, a silent witness to the impending impact.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the air thick with the tension of imminent impact. The assembled onlookers held their breath, their eyes fixed upon the unfolding spectacle.

"Ruunnnee!" Drogan gritted his teeth. He knew it was too late to dodge. Despite the disparity of their cultivation level, Lyon's speed far outclassed him after utilizing that momentary aversion from the bells of Celestia.

The three students looked up in awe before Selene suddenly stood in front of them with Scarlett in her hand.

"Crescent!" Lyon's glared down.

And then, in an explosion of motion, Lyon's heel connected with Drogan's head. The collision reverberated through the sky, shattering the clouds and sending shockwaves of energy cascading outward, so much so that the kings standing on the sides were pushed away.

The force of the strike sent Drogan reeling, his body propelled downward, crashing into the ground. The impact caused huge tremors and huge debris flying over in all directions. 

Selena had a slight glint in her eyes as she saw the incoming rubbles flying toward them. She moved with grace and precision, her blade slicing through the air in a mesmerizing display of skill.

With each powerful swing of her sword, Selena effortlessly cut through the incoming rubble, reducing it to smaller fragments. The sound of metal meeting stone filled the air, blending with the echoes of destruction that still lingered from Lyon's earlier strike.

Her movements were a seamless blend of grace and strength, her focus unwavering as she protected the three students from harm. The intensity in her eyes reflected her unwavering determination and unwavering resolve to shield them from any danger.

The three students stood in awe, their eyes wide with astonishment as they witnessed Selena's incredible display of skill and the extent of the damage caused by Lyon's powerful strike. The sheer force and precision with which Selena cut through the flying debris left them speechless, their admiration for her growing with each passing moment.

They had known that Lyon and Selena possessed remarkable abilities, but seeing them in action firsthand was an entirely different experience. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the true extent of their strength and mastery.

And as Lyon stood there, bathed in the aftermath of his daring maneuver, the flicker of killing intent in his eyes flared.

"Don't get too cocky now!" said Valerius as he launched forward with two swords in hand. "Taste the art of—!?"

"Too bad," said Nyi as he stood by Lyon protecting him from Valerius's side. "Your blade will kneel in front of Elyrianth."

"Tch!" Valerius clicked his tongue. "Not even your father ever won against me!"

Nyi and Valerius fought on their own and dragged their battle elsewhere.

"Is this your true power, Lyon?" Drogan emerged from the crater and his clothes were shredded, he tore off the upper half and revealed a body riddled with glowing runes. The sight was both mesmerizing and eerie at the same time.

Those who saw his state was flabbergasted. King Aldric and King Corvin shared a frown as they looked at the state Drogan was in.

"Is this your so-called potential, Corvin?" asked Aldric.

Corvin furrowed his brows and glanced at Aldric, "There is no reason to go that far, unless in extreme situation."

Lyon's gaze locked onto Drogan's, and at that moment, a palpable tension filled the air. The intensity of their mutual animosity was unmistakable. A charged energy emanated from both Lyon and Drogan. It was a silent challenge, a declaration of their unwavering resolve.

Drogan roared as he leaped and Lyon roared as he plunged down.