Emperor's Reckoning



"Do you own this grove?" asked Lyon.

As Lyon's question hung in the air, a palpable tension settled over the scene. Karesh's features contorted in disbelief, a mixture of shock and indignation overtaking his expression. The audacity of Lyon's inquiry was like a slap across his face, challenging the very foundation of his unspoken authority within the grove.

His initial defiance wavered, his eyes flickering between Lyon and the ground as if searching for the right words to respond. The realization that his attempt at exerting authority was being exposed created a sense of defeat that gnawed at his pride. Karesh had projected himself as a figure of influence, an effort to command the respect of his peers, but Lyon's pointed question had laid bare the truth.

The onlookers, scattered in a semi-circle around the scene, exchanged incredulous glances. The audacity of Lyon's question was undeniable, and the shockwave of its impact rippled through their expressions. Whispers began to flutter, carried by the wind, as the murmurs of disbelief and realization reached their ears.

Alaric's features remained neutral, but a barely concealed smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. He seemed to find amusement in the unfolding spectacle, his gaze shifting from Karesh to Lyon and back again. It was as if Alaric had been anticipating this confrontation, and the sight of Karesh's discomfort only added to his satisfaction.

And then there was Cecile, standing nearby with her usual air of confidence. Her smirk was unmistakable, a curl of amusement that danced in her eyes. She didn't bother to conceal her amusement, her gaze locked on Karesh as if she were savoring the spectacle before her.

In the midst of this collective reaction, Karesh found himself ensnared in a web of disbelief and vulnerability. The realization that he had been acting out of turn, claiming a position that wasn't rightfully his, bore down on him like a heavyweight. The facade of authority he had constructed crumbled in the face of Lyon's direct question, leaving him standing exposed and humbled in front of his peers and the elders who knew the truth.

"I..." Karesh then furrowed his brows. "What's that supposed to mean!? Don't turn this on me, I'm saying for the good of the humans in the grove! For their survival!"

"Ah, young master, please, let's not stir into that problem for now, Why don't you join me in my humble abode, I'll be the greatest host," said Garin as he nodded. His eyes gave a hint of pleading.

"I will not be staying here in the grove," said Lyon as he raised his arms and then folded them into a cross under his chest. 

"Heh, at least you know your place," said Karesh.

"Garin, is anyone in this grove capable of healing a lost limb?" asked Lyon.

Karina's eyes sharpened as her slightly pointy ears perked. 

"I'm afraid, there is no such cultivator here," Garin shook his head.

"Then our business here is done," said Lyon. "We're leaving."

"No, please, young master!" said Garin with an obvious pleading tone. However, his hoarse voice fell on deaf ears.

Karesh was stunned by Lyon's decision but welcomed it in merry inside his heart. He had done a deed to the grove, however, Alaric was now the one at a loss.

"Good, but how do we have a guarantee that you will seal your lips about this location?" asked Karesh.

Lyon paused, "My guarantee?"

"This grove is not a gem, but those demi-humans will come at the opportunity to see us so peacefully, living here," said Karesh. "I don't want the grove to face misfortune once you left."

"I don't think you understand..." 

"Huh?" Karesh saw Lyon turn around with a deliberate act. His eyes immediately shuddered in horror at the sight. The bearing of the man he condemned to leave, shifted entirely. 

Lyon furrowed his brows, his hands no longer crossed at the front but resting behind his back. The group made way for him. He walked with every step causing nature to drop their temperature to a degree. The grove, a place of serenity, bowed before his presence. 

The cultivation with the exact reverse of energy against hell, he stood as if there was none in the first place. And as he stood right in front of Karesh. There, the latter shrunk like an ant as Lyon's eyes turned condescending. 

"Do you think those demi-humans are the only ones capable of razing this grove to the ground?" Lyon's eyes flashed.

Karesh suddenly lost his balance and fell on his bottom. His fingers trembled and his pupils tremored. 

"P-Please, Your Majesty! Have mercy! This young one still doesn't know the significance of your presence!" said Elder Garin as he kowtowed right beside him.

The grove immediately filled with gasps and covered mouths as they saw the greatest elder willingly have his forehead kissing nature's ground, more so to a young man.

Lyon swiftly turned around, "Hmph! Remember this, the only reason why this grove is still around is because of your father, Garin, if not, this place would be full of curious demi-humans, circling in speculation around a crater."

It was a threat. However, Garin fully believed that the emperor he revered had all the means to raze the grove to the ground perhaps without even lifting a single finger. 

Lyon walked away, "Alaric, sent me back to Felidora."

"Huh? Y-Yes, absolutely, young master," said the captain.

Lyon and the girls slowly vanished from the sight of the grove, and only then did Garin stand up, saying with a bow, "Thank you for your mercy, your majesty."

"E-Elder, who is he?" asked Karesh.

Elder Garin was immediately washed by wisdom as his eyes looked at the silhouette leaving his glance. "He is the emperor that my father talked about, that my father vehemently believes will make a return, and now... he is here in this era."

Lyon yawned as he entered the wagon and Alaric settled the horses.

"The one and only emperor, who ruled the only floating empire in the sky," Garin continued before his eyes opened wide as his lips trembled, "The Emperor, Lyon 'Zodiac' Torga."