Emperor's Reckoning



The crowd caught up in the fervor of the moment, erupted into cheers for Karina. Their voices swelled, drowning out any previous insults aimed at Lyon.

"Karina! Karina! Karina!"

But amidst the cheers for the victor, there were still some lingering insults directed at Lyon.

"Human, go home!"

"Nice try, outsider!"

Lyon, standing on the arena with a gracious smile, chuckled at the banter, his eyes filled with amusement. He raised his hand in mock surrender.

"I get it, I get it! You all love a good underdog story. Cheers for Karina!" Lyon said as he approached the winner who was struggling to get up.

With a genuine smile, Lyon extended his hand toward Karina, offering to help her up. The crowd fell into a hushed anticipation, watching their interaction closely. Karina, panting heavily from the intense battle, managed a small but appreciative smile. She reached out, accepting Lyon's hand, and he gently pulled her to her feet.

As the cheers of the crowd filled the arena, the king himself made a dramatic entrance, leaping from his seat and landing at the center of the arena with a ground-shaking thud. He introduced himself with a booming voice, acknowledging the exceptional talent displayed in the tournament.

"As the cheers of the crowd fill this hallowed arena," King Leopold Felidora began, his voice resonating with regal authority, "I, your king, deem it a privilege to stand amidst such exceptional talent. Today, we have witnessed the strength and skill of our kingdom's finest."

Karina obeyed the silent nudge from Lyon and stepped forward. As she drew closer to the king, she couldn't help but feel the weight of his presence, his regal aura radiating authority and power.

As Karina approached the king, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in her mind. She had never imagined herself standing before a ruler, let alone one as imposing as King Leopold Felidora. His authority was palpable, and it made her feel small and insignificant. Her nerves were on edge, but she held her head high, determined to face whatever awaited her with grace and courage. Karina knelt once before the king quickly gestured for her to stand up.

"You've done remarkably well," he began, his eyes fixed on Karina. "Now speak, what do you want?"

Lyon smiled seeing Karina had made it. His eyelids slowly closed before his senses went away. Once he opened them, he found himself standing on an invisible platform, where beyond it was a sea of memories.

His glance was fixated on a floating body that was floating up and down with ease. He was naked and encapsulated by the grace of warm light. His face shared his and his body too. They were one and the same. 

"Still recuperating, huh," said Lyon before he approached the floating body. "You've made it, I made it, we... made it."

"Heh, it feels funny talking to oneself," Lyon smirked helplessly. "She is getting healed as we speak, Karina, the woman that saved our ass twice. However, the true journey will now begin, She is here, in Hell, and we have to find her no matter the cost... and also, it means that the time you and I become one is high nigh."

Lyon took a deep breath before sighing, "Ugh, I am not prepared to ever experience that all over again. Life will literally flash before your eyes, but this time, you will be fully immersive in it."

Lyon gave a warm smile, "I know you probably don't hear me, but I want you to know because I too want to be notified if it was the other way around, recuperate for now, an anxiety like that will be nothing compared to the trauma that you will face."

Lyon closed his eyes and before long, he heard the cheers from the crowd. 

"Are you sure that's your favor?" asked the king of Felidora. "I can grant you home, wealth, position, but... you chose something that is easily affordable?"

Karina nodded, "I want the best physician to heal me."

The king was a bit shocked. For a flash, he peeked over and glanced at the human contestant before returning back to Karina. He took a heavy breath through his nose, "Very well, then it shall be done."

"Behold, the Felidora Tournament has concluded!" King Leo's voice thundered through the arena, reaching the farthest corners of the bustling crowd. "But the celebrations have only just begun! Starting now, a grand festival will enshroud our beloved kingdom, lasting until the next sun graces our-to-be night sky. And you, our valiant contestants, are cordially invited to the splendid gala dinner within the resplendent walls of Felidora Palace."

The audience hung on every word, their anticipation palpable. The air was charged with excitement as the promise of joyous festivities beckoned, and the contestants, their hearts brimming with pride and accomplishment, could hardly contain their elation.

Under the cheers of the crowd, Lyon noticed a subtle gaze from the king himself before the latter deliberately turned around and waved his royal cloak.

"How wonderful," Lyon murmured before smirking. He glanced over and saw Karina was about to return to his side, but staff came up to her first. Then, a staff was also tending to him before long.

"Congrats," said the staff with a highly unenthusiastic tone and a hint of scorn.

"Thank you," Lyon took it by stride.

"As His Majesty's order, we will guide you to the palace where you will wash yourself, and get better, formal clothes," said the staff.

"My robe is formal enough, but what about my wives?" asked Lyon.

"There will be a designer there that you can talk to, but your wife can come as well," said the staff before his eyes flinched, "Wait, wives? As in more than one?"

"Yup!" Kesya chirped in.

"C-Contestant Kesya is your wife?!" the staff exclaimed.

"Nope!" Kesya said, "I'm not that lucky."

"I am darling's wife," a hand quickly slipped in under Lyon's arm.

"And so am I," Cecile pulled the hood over and revealed her stunning beautiful face.

Lyon was amused seeing the staff in a state of trance, "Well, guide us, you don't want to waste His Majesty's time, do you?"

The staff regained his footing, "Y-You're right, follow me!" he quickly turned around and led the way.

Lyon chuckled as he ad the rest nonchalantly followed the staff.