Two days after Nero’s siblings were freed.

“How are you feeling, Nana?”

Miko was sitting around a table with his grandmother, Kimiko.

“I’m alright. I heard that you were quite busy while I was out of commission.”

“Your husband made me work quite a bit. I’m gonna need some compensation.”

Kimiko took up a teacup in front of her and drank from it.

“Then what about me? Do I owe you for healing me?”

“Not at all. You’re different from the slave driver, Nana. Besides, you were purposely left in that condition because they didn’t want you to cause trouble.”

“It looks like they even injected me with drugs so that I wouldn’t heal on my own.”

“So I’ve heard. I’m upset Uncle Nova killed the one who did it. I wanted to do it myself.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

Kimiko placed the teacup on the table.

“Rouge is going to be announced as the new Clan Leader today, and you as his heir. I’m expected to stand you’re your grandfather during the ceremony to show everyone that the empire is united.”

“Politics are important in times like these. We need to assure our allies that we’re not fools trying to kill each other. That way they’ll feel that it’s safe to support us. I mean, no one would want to back a country of fools in a war that could affect their own global standings.”

“From what I heard, you’re the one who almost made the empire lose its allies.”

“I’m also the one who exposed those plotting around us. The North is ours to take and the South is next.”

“You’re about to start a Continental War.”

“It was unavoidable after what Krow did. I’m just working to make it happen on our terms.”

“Winning a Continental War won’t be easy, even for us. Also, depending on who backs our enemies from the shadows this might turn into a world war. I don’t know if we can prepare for something like that.”

Miko smiled.

“After the ceremony today, there’s something I would like to show you. After that, you can decide if we have a chance or not.”

Later that day, millions of people from all over the empire gathered in Dragna City. The purpose was to witness something that hasn’t happened since the implementation of the Proxy System, the coronation of a new Dragna Clan Leader!

The coronation ceremony was being held in front of the royal palace. A stage was prepared with the symbols of the three clans displayed for all to see. Standing on the stage were the 5 Guardians, Markus Saevus, Darwin Flameheart, Kimiko Dragna, Nova, the Branch Leaders minus Rouge, and finally Joesph Flameheart. Joesph stepped out.

“My name is Joesph Flameheart and I am the progenitor of the Flameheart Clan. I was also the apprentice of Augustus Dragna and his Divine General.”

The crowd broke out into an uproar.

“The Flameheart Progenitor is alive?”

“He’s the founder’s comrade?”

(With this, the whole world knows that I’m alive. Now the Empire doesn’t seem so defenseless.)

Joesph continued.

“I’m here to announce that for the first time in 10,000 years a new Dragna Clan Leader will be born today!”

The sky immediately became overcast with black clouds. Purple lightning danced in the clouds. The cry of a bird resonated through the empire. The ground started trembling. The sudden changes sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“Look!”

They looked up at the clouds. Purple lightning flashed and illuminated the sky. The silhouette of a bird could be seen. The Dragna citizens recognized what bird it was because it was on their flag.

“A Phoenix!”

Purple lightning struck the stage. A blinding light devoured everything around it. When it faded a throne appeared on the stage. It was made of gold and purple diamonds. On the back was the mark of a Phoenix, the armrests had dancing dragons, and a crown was at the top.

“This is the throne that only Augustus Dragna himself had sat on. To sit on it means that you’ll be bearing the weight of the empire’s past, present, and future. So only the chosen are worthy, and today somebody has finally been chosen!”

A lightning bolt hit the stage again and someone appeared before the throne.

“Citizens of Dragna, I present to you the new Dragna Clan Leader, a man known throughout the world as the Walking Apocalypse, Rouge Dragna!”

Rouge sat on the throne as cheers rained down on him. The cheers caused the capital to quake.

“As a show of servitude, the leaders of the Saevus and Flameheart clans will offer their insignia to the new leader.”

Markus and Darwin stepped forward. They kneeled before Rouge and presented their clan insignia on a pillow as they spoke in unison.

“Long live Dragna.”

“Long live Dragna.”

Rouge took the insignias.

“The leaders of the Five Branches will also surrender their insignia to the new leader.”

Darwin and Markus stood up and stepped back. Nero and the others stepped forward. Gasps could be heard as Nero was the first to kneel before Rouge. He offered his insignia with a smile on his face. Rouge took it and Nero stepped back. At this time, someone new walked onto the stage. Dressed in a white military-style uniform, a tall and bulking man stood before Rouge. His stern but handsome face and short purple were recognized by the citizens.

“General Marcel?!”

“The Warlock of Niflheim!”

“Since Rouge will become the new Clan Leader, someone must replace him as leader of the Secundus Branch. His son, Marcel was called back from Niflheim to fill this position!”

Joesph spoke up.

(Marcel is a famous member of the Mors Clan. He’s also a General of the Niflheim Army. Him coming here to inherit his father’s position is a big deal. This shows that the relationship between Niflheim and the Dragna Empire is still strong.)

He glanced at Kirika behind him.

(After all, only Kirika can authorize him to switch allegiance.)

“Hey, isn’t that Niflheim’s Second-in-command? She’s here too?”

The crowd spotted a woman standing beside Kimiko. She resembled Kirika quite a bit. The main difference would be that her face was rounder and she was a bit taller.

“Thanks for coming, Celine.”

Kirika spoke to the woman.

“It was your orders, so naturally I’ll come, Sister.”

The woman showed a smile.

“Also, I can’t miss the day my husband becomes the boss of your husband.”

Kimiko’s eye twitched but she remained silent.

“Father.”

Marcel kneeled before Rouge and lifted the Secundus insignia. Rouge silently took the insignia. Alexus, Ecko, and Andreas offered their insignia one after the other. Once he got the last insignia, they all lit up. The insignia turned into light particles and formed a ring on Rouge’s finger. His eyes widened because he recognized this ring. It had the Dragna mark in a purple diamond and a burning heart and a crimson devil engraved on the sides.

“This ring symbolizes that the wearer is acknowledged as the supreme ruler of the Dragna Empire. It was created and worn only by Augustus himself.”

Joesph explained.

(What is this?... It’s warm and…has a pulse? Is thing alive?)

Information started flowing into Rouge’s head.

“…This ring is linked to the Dragna Empire itself. The wearer will be able to feel the soul of the empire…Wait, the empire is alive and has a physical heart?”

(Augustus’ inheritance, Gaius.)

Joesph’s voice echoed in Rouge’s head.

(This inheritance is the heart and soul of the Dragna Empire. If she was here then you as the Clan Leader could use the Empire itself as a weapon. But Krow took her away, so that is now impossible.)

“…Then, we’ll just have to take her back.”

Joesph nodded and smiled.

“Spoken like a true Clan Leader.”

He faced the crowd again.

“With this, Rouge Dragna has officially been crowned the second Dragna Clan Leader!”

Cheers rained down once more. Rouge stood up and faced the crowd.

“I only have one thing to say…”

He lifted his fist into the air.

“Long live Dragna!”

The crowd threw their fists up and shouted.

“Long live Dragna!”

“Long live Dragna!”

“Long live Dragna!”

Everyone stood beside Rouge on the stage as the crowd cheered. Joesph looked at them and nodded. They all stepped back as Rouge sat back down on the throne.

“Now, there’s another announcement that I would like to make.”

The crowd started to settle down.

“The Dragna Clan Leader has been chosen, so it’s time for me to introduce his successor!”

Confusion spread through the crown.

“Successor?”

“But he was just coronated?”

“Is this normal?”

“I don’t know.”

The mutters slowly quieted down when someone emerged from behind throne. As they made their way to the front of the stage, a heavy silence fell upon those watching. The tapping of boots could be heard clear as if the one walking was walking down an empty hallway. They stopped at the edge of the stage causing those close by to tense up.

(Just him walking on stage was enough to suppress the crowd…Talk about presence.)

Joesph smiled as he looked at Miko’s frowning face.

“……….”

He scanned the crowd with his eyes before showing a small smirk.

“Well, hello there citizens of Dragna. We meet again.”

His cold eyes betrayed his warm smile.

“The last time you all saw me was probably when I purged the royal families of 8 countries. Good times.”

He chuckled but no one laughed with him.

“Why the silence? You’re not going to cheer me like you did the others?... I guess not, huh. After all, the history between us isn’t a pretty one. Also, if I’m being honest getting cheered by the same people who shun me all my life would make me sick. Just imagining it is enough to make me vomit.”

Frowns appeared on the crowd’s faces.

“Let’s be honest, none of you are happy that I will inherit the title of Clan Leader in the future. I mean, you all hate my guts. Some of you have good reasons why you feel that way.”

He showed a mocking smile.

“For example, I killed people you cared about.”

Tension filled the air.

“Hey, I have my reasons for you hating you people as well. Also, I never killed Dragna Citizens unless they tried to harm me or those around me. On that note…”

Miko lifted a finger.

“Anyone that has a problem with me or the three clans, please get the fuck out of my empire.”

“?!”

The crowd broke out into an uproar. Even those on the stage were caught off guard. Everyone was looking at Miko with widened eyes.

“I didn’t misspeak or made a mistake. I meant what I said. For those of you who didn’t hear me, listen carefully as I repeat myself.”

All expressions fell from his face.

“If you have a problem with those currently running the empire, pack your shit and get the fuck out of my country.”

A black aura seeped out of Miko’s body.

“We just had a mass defection. Our own people stabbed us in the back and spat on our dignity. I will not allow such a thing to happen again. So I’m giving you three options.”

He showed three fingers. He lowered them one by one as he spoke.

“One, you forget all of the grudges you have towards the three clans and help to improve the empire. Two, you leave the empire and go join our enemies for all I care. Three, you shut up and hide in a corner somewhere while we work. There is no fourth option.”

He brought down his hand to his side.

“You must be curious what would happen if you don’t do any of these things and try to do something stupid like plot against us in the shadows. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you what will happen.”

He smiled.

“You’ll be purged without exception.”

The crowd broke out into an uproar again. Miko ignored them and continued.

“I’m not joking. What I said wasn’t a bluff. Anyone that plots against the empire will be purged. Not only you, but I’ll also purge your family too.”

“You monster!”

“You can’t do that!”

“This isn’t how you run a country!”

“SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTHS, YOU PILES OF SHIT!”

Miko’s roar was like a thunderclap that instantly silenced the crowd.

“Do you think this is a fucking game?! Wake up, you idiots! Don’t you see that we’re already at war?! The enemy has already made their first move and we’re here bickering among ourselves? Do you all want to die?! Because if you have a death wish, step up and I’ll separate your head from your body right here right now!”

Miko’s eyes were bloodshot.

“I will kill anybody that threatens the empire! Why?! Because this is where the people I love live! If you are a threat to their happiness then whether you’re a man, woman, child, elderly, human, or god I will kill you! That goes even if you and I are blood relatives! I will order soldiers to cut off your head! If they can’t bring themselves to do it, I’ll do it myself! That’s how much the people I care about mean to me!”

He pointed at the crowd.

“But what about you? Just how far will go to protect the ones you love? Are you willing to walk through the endless flames of hell? Or will you sit back and allow them to be taken from you?”

He pointed at himself.

“If you believe that I’m a threat to those you care about, leave the empire, find allies, and then come at me with everything you got. I will accept your hatred with open arms as I crush you underneath my feet.”

He clenched his fists.

“However, if you aren’t prepared to risk it all then don’t get in my way, because I will not show you any mercy. As for those who are willing to put their grievances aside to help and build the greatest empire of all time….”

He spread his arms.

“I welcome you with open arms! I assure you that it’s easier to be my ally than it is to be enemy!”

He slowly brought his arm back to his sides.

“You must be confused. You can’t understand how can a future ruler treat his people like this. Let me clear up the confusion. I don’t believe that a ruler exists for the country or the country exists for the ruler. I believe that a country and its ruler must be one. Neither servers the other. They move as a singular entity. Meaning, the Dragna people and their ruler must be on the same wavelength. Those who are not, regardless of the party, are to be treated as toxins; toxins that must be removed before they destroy the body.”

Miko’s glare sharpened.

“Those who wish to harm the empire are the same as poison and they must be removed by any means necessary.”

He smiled.

“That being said, not all of you are poison. I lived here so I know that the people of Dragna are a proud people. Most of them take pride in the fact that they were born in this empire. I also know that most of you who tried to kill me acted out of fear that I might grow up and destroy your home. Those are the people I want to remain in this country. People who are willing to give it their all to make sure that their home is safe.”

Miko sat at the edge of the stage which caught a lot of people off guard.

“Hate me all you want but there’s no denying that I can help you protect your homes. I have shown it time and time again. I have conquered lands, invaded countries, and revolutionized the lifestyles of those who around me. You can hate me for what I am and what I did to you, but you cannot deny that I’m an effective tool.”

People looked up at him.

“Yes, I am a tool. A tool to strengthen the Dragna Empire. And, I am proud of that.”

He showed a bright smile.

“I will offer my body and soul to bring the Dragna Empire victory. If it makes you feel better, you don’t need to see me as anything more than a tool to protect your home. Use me, because I will definitely use you. I will use you to protect those I care about and I encourage you to do the same.”

He stood up.

“I hate you and you hate me, but we both love the Dragna Empire. So let’s both walk on that common ground and strive to defeat our mutual enemy.”

He looked towards the sky.

“There are some insolent bastards out there who want to take our home. I don’t intend to let that happen. The question is, do you?”

“No!”

A few shouts came from the crowd.

“I hate your guts, Miko! But I rather work with you than have some fuckers invade my country!”

“That’s right!”

“This is the Dragna Empire! Invaders can fuck off!”

More and more shouts followed. As if it was a chained reaction, shouts came from all over the capital.

He smiled and looked at them.

“Alright, you bastards! Are we just going to let the world walk all over us?!”

“FUCK NO!”

The crowd reply was almost deafening.

“Then, what are you going to do?!”

“FIGHT!”

“You’re gonna do what?”

“FIGHT!”

“If the world comes at our doorsteps tomorrow and asks you to hand over your homes, what will you say to them?”

“FUCK OFF!”

Miko nodded and looked up at a camera pointed at him.

“Did you hear that people of Mundus? The Dragna Empire says that you can fuck off.”

He pointed at the camera with a huge grin.

“We might not always get along but we’re still Dragna. We’ll use the same knife we pointed at each other to slit the throats of all who are plotting against us.”

He took a knife and slit his palm. He clenched his bleeding fist.

“Let the heavens and hells bear witness to this blood oath.”

He lifted his fist into the air.

“By the names of Augustus and Tiamat, I swear that as long as I live, I will never let the Dragna Empire fall! I will punch my enemies to death until my arms fall off! I will kick my enemies to death until my legs are no more! I will fight until the bitter end!”

Rouge stood up from his throne and lifted a bleeding fist.

“I will fight until the bitter end!”

Everybody on the stage lifted bleeding fists.

“I will fight until the bitter end!”

People in the crowd looked at each other. Soon, people started cutting their palms one after the other. They lifted their bleeding fists into the air.

“I WILL FIGHT UNTIL THE BITTER END!!”

Their roars resonated like a thunderclap. Miko’s grin widened. He looked towards the sky again.

“Bastards of Mundus, come at us however you want, we will not run or hide! The Dragna Empire will face all of you with our heads held high! But remember this, when digging a grave make sure to dig one for yourself!”

He looked at the crowd again and his comrades around him.

“In the Nine Hells and Seven Heavens, only Dragna reign supreme!”