Emperor's Reckoning



Cecile, Selena, Assid, Kesya, Ryona, and Kyoko stood in a small clearing beside the grand walls of Nirvana School. The atmosphere was tense, yet a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The group of powerful individuals exchanged occasional glances and murmurs, their eyes fixated on the path that led to darkness unbound behind the school.

Cecile, with her regal demeanor, exuded an air of confidence that contrasted with the electric energy of Selena beside her. Assid's stern expression betrayed his internal struggle, while Kesya's agile stance hinted at her readiness for action. Ryona and Kyoko, despite their differing personalities, shared a determined look that spoke of their resolve.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension grew palpable. Their gazes remained locked on the entrance, and a hushed silence enveloped them. It was as if time itself held its breath, waiting for the arrival of the one they were expecting.

And then, finally, a figure appeared on the horizon. A familiar silhouette emerged, running purposefully towards them. The collective breath of the waiting group seemed to catch as their eyes focused on the approaching figure.

A mixture of emotions washed over them – relief, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of trepidation once they noticed that it was Graham carrying the key individuals on his shoulders.

Graham arrived at the small clearing before Lyon and Karina got off of his shoulders. He hung his head down, "I'm sorry big sister, I wasn't fast enough."

"You were holding back for his convenience, don't act like I wouldn't know," said Cecile before a smirk emerged on her face.

Graham smiled as Cecile was spot on.

"Cecile, cut him some slack," said Lyon as he shrugged. "It's not like it's a bad thing."

"What's bad is you," said Cecile before she sighed. "You were missing when the time was approaching."

"Darling, it's not a woman, is it?" asked Selena.

"No!" Lyon immediately answered, "I was just having fun toying with proud young masters."

"Then it is fine," said Selena as she sheathed her sword to a resounding click.

Lyon smiled wryly. He wanted to bask longer in the serenity but the time was nigh. He darted his glance toward Cecile, "Is it time already?"

Cecile nodded before she crossed her arms and glanced over toward the entrance of the school.

Seer Lily and the driver stepped out of the grand entrance, their departure a quiet contrast to the lively cheers emanating from the banquet hall behind them. Lily's gaze wandered as she scanned the area, her eyes searching for a specific individual amid the bustling surroundings.

Lyon, observing from a distance, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride welling up within him. His admiration for the woman he had married was evident in his voice as he murmured, "How impeccable."

Cecile nodded in gratitude as she heard the praise, but her eyes remained focused, not flying off. "Now, time to say goodbyes."

Lyon darted his glance toward Ryona and Kyoko. He stepped and stood in front of both of her. "You clearly know that I am not the one you knew."

Kyoko nodded, "Nevertheless, you are the savior that unshackled us from the curse."

"Where is hubby...?" asked Ryona. Her gaze was filled with longing and anticipation.

Lyon was helpless toward the question that Ryona posed. His lips gaped trying to convulse a word out of his mouth.

"Can I speak to him for a moment?" asked Ryona.

Lyon shook his head, "I hate to break it to you, but he is currently in deep slumber, the damage of activating the bloodline was too horrifying."

"Oh..." Ryona clasped her hands under her chin. She was a warrior in her own right. Two axes she wielded, but right now... she was just a woman.

"Ryona..." Kyoko murmured as she felt the despair slowly exuding out of her. 

At the last moment when she wanted to say goodbye, he was not there. Her eyes softened as memories with him surged. Everything from the beginning, where he arrived in the labyrinth until this moment... and finally... a single tear from the warrior escaped.

Lyon extended his arms before pulling her into his embrace. Her eyes widened open in disbelief as she felt his heartbeat. She closed her eyes before her hands clawed his robes, grabbing him so tightly just like her gritted teeth until eventually she lashed her emotion to his robe. A muffled sound yet basked in feelings.

Lyon's eyes slightly furrowed. He too had witnessed what had been happening but, right now, even though it's not forever, he felt the pain as well. Not just Ryona, but Luna and Lumina, and the others too.

Lily finally found the person she was looking for. She approached the group with a smile before confounding at the scene. She softened her steps, creating almost no sound to the ears.

After a few seconds, Ryona slowly pushed herself away from his embrace. Her cheeks were dyed in red, and her eyes were sore. She sniffled as she tried to gain composure. She realized the stain, the mess that she made on her robe. "Ah... sorry, hubby."

Lyon shook his head, "No need to apologize." he extended his hands and grabbed her shoulders. He looked at her determination as he said, "I'll be back... he... he'll be back as well."

Ryona was struggling but she nodded.

Kyoko was swelling with pride as she watched Ryona. (You are not as wild as before, otherwise, you would have jumped at the opportunity to join him. You know you are weak, that's why you cry, you know you would be a burden, and that forcing yourself to join him now, would risk both of you... Let the pain mature you even more Ryona).

Lyon glanced over at Kyoko, "Tell the others as well, I will return, and he too."

"Of course," said Kyoko with a smile. "Thank you..."

"No need," said Lyon as he shook his head. He put his hands behind his back and unraveled his regal aura. "Graham, Assid."

Graham and Assid knelt right behind him before they heard him sigh. Lyon looked at the moon before he said, "Protect them when I'm gone."

"We will await your triumphant return, your majesty," said Assid.

"There is no need to shed a worry, master," said Graham.

"Thank you, both of you," said Lyon before he turned and revealed a smile as he looked at Lily. "I'm sorry that you have to see all that."

"O-Oh, no, it is I who should be sorry, Master Lyon," said Lily as she shook her head gracefully. "Such private moments, and I am unknowingly drawn by it, it is my mistake."

"Either way, I'm glad that you're here," said Cecile.

"Yes, you said that you wanted to meet me before my departure," said Lily.

Cecile smiled and nodded, "Yes, that is correct."

"I apologize for interrupting, but please make sure to make it brief, We need to depart soon," said the driver before he heard the horse neighing, and flapping its wing.

"Simply put," said Selena as she stepped forward. "We need to borrow your carriage."

"Hm?" Lily raised her brows.

"What?" the driver was taken back. He frowned, puzzled if he heard the wrong thing. "You want to borrow our carriage?"

"Yes," said Lyon as he nodded.

"Out of the question!" said the driver as he swiped his hand.

Lily who was the composed one out of the two, calmly nodded, "I'm afraid it is not allowed for the seers to have guests inside their carriage."

"No hard feelings," said Lyon with a smirk.

Assid shifted behind the driver before knocking him out effortlessly. The driver's eyes rolled as his knees fell to the ground.

"What are you doing?!" asked Lily "Ah?!" Her figure was suddenly lifted before she found Lyon's grin. Her cheeks were tinted red, but Lyon had to squeeze as he ran toward the carriage.

He opened the carriage with his foot before throwing her in. 

"Ah!" her head immediately peeked out, "Lyon! This is wrong! You can't go against the seer!"

However, all she saw was Cecile towering over her, "Well you're about to find out!" she shoved herself in before Selena followed suit. Assid strapped the unconscious driver on the back of the carriage and Karina sneaked in the carriage. Kesya jumped into the driver's seat before she gave Lyon who was already there beside her, a firm nod.

"There they are!" a shout from a distance was heard. It was the black kirin.

(He... is he stealing the seer's carriage?!) Yuri's eyes widened before his back lit up the name of the beast. Golden black mana infused his entire body as his speed increased exponentially.

"Persistence aren't you," Lyon smirked before he looked at the pegasus, "Let's go!!"

The horse neighed before flapping its wings and galloping in the air.

"I won't let you!" Yuri leaped with the thunderous strength of the black kirin.

"Step down, Immortal."

Both Yuri and the black kirin's eyes widened as Assid emerged behind them despite being in mid-air. A heavy chop struck down against his head and the jolt instantly knocked both of them out.

Assid adjusted his glances as he let the young master free-falling. He glanced over and saw Lyon smirking at him. Assid bowed, "Have fun, emperor."

The carriage went into the depth of the horizon before the space distorted, and they vanished.