Emperor Luxum POV

"REPORT! WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?! HOW ARE WE UNDER SIEGE?! ARE THE LOOKOUT'S BLIND OR SOMETHING?! WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" I yelled with the loudest voice I could muster. How could this be possbile?! The strongest human country is being attacked and invaded by a measly rural punk from the sticks?! What shame!

A soldier then ran towards my direction, kneeled in front of me and spoke. "Your Majesty, the situation is dire."

"HOW COULD YOU IMBECILES NOT KNOW THAT THE BASTARD BEALE IS COMING?! WHERE IS THIS ALL COMING FROM?!"

"Your Majesty... There is still no visible armies from any direction for at a stretch of 50 kilometers from the city walls. Not one Agmanacian soldier could be found in our visions and familiars are now dispatched to ascertain their locations."

"THEN DO IT FASTER! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE THEN?! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!"

"Your Majesty, I beg your pardon but I haven't finished my report..." The messenger awkwardly answers.

"THEN SPEAK!"

"Major city structures have been and is currently being hit by this barrage of attacks. Even now, the attacks seems to be targetting those places specifically."

Shivering on my throne, I shakily asked the messenger. "What... What are they attacking right... right now?"

"The have attacked the all major barracks in the capital. They have also attacked the city's mititary headquarters. They also struck the armories on the west east and south. The have also taken out our... ballistas and catapults. Right now, the city guard captain is calling for the Crown's help. The casualties have risen to a staggering 400 thousand due to the barrage. A quarter of that are civilians. Your Majesty... The city guard captain made me deliver a message for you. He said 'We cannot defend something that cannot be seen and yet causes massive destruction. Please, help us.' That is what the Guard Captain have told me to tell you."

"Assemble the remaining troops we have. Have them immediately assembled to the south gate. I will personally lead the army." I said solemnly.

"""""YOUR MAJESTY!""""" Many nobles exclaimed when they heard what I am going to do.

"You must not venture out, Your Majesty."

"It is too dangerous to have the head of the state march into battle to an enemy we cannot even see."

"That would be suicidal, Your Majesty. Please refrain such acts!"

Multiple nobles expressed their disapproval to my decision. Many didn't speak as if weighing their thoughts on how to approach this problem. Many have secretly maneuvered to get out of the chamber we are in. While others are already thinking of agendas that may or may not be for the benefit of the empire. I then raised my hand, silencing the bickering nobles. When they have gone quiet, I spoke.

"I will have to rectify the things I have done to the Hydra Prince. True. I coveted Agmanac. I mean, who wouldn't? With its booming market, trade and business, what country wouldn't want to have Agmanac for their own? I have become greedy while looking down on the prince that govern that said principality. I never expected that the ruler of Agmanac would bear its fangs at us after what I did. Yes. I admit. I asked my daughter's chambermaid to spy on Agmanac and I know any of you would do what I did to answer the questions that are bothering us like 'How did Agmanac become prosperous?' or 'Where does Agmanac mine and gather its resources?' or 'How powerful is the military might of Agmanac?' and many more. I did that to take measures should I decide to invade Agmanac by force or by disrupting it inside thorugh civil war and such. But who would have thought that not only are they able to identify the act of espionage, they also captured all familiars that my spy have released? They numbered thousands if I am right and yet they still captured them. But who knew that Prince Beale had very sharp fangs. He swiftly and decisively conquered our southern flank and destroyed our southern armies. Tell me, did any of you anticipate that?"

"Your Majesty..." A noble tried to talk.

"None, right? Who would have thought that a pre-adolescent prince would have a military might so powerful that he could literally obliterate an army 3 times the size of his. And what's worst is who would've thought that he would have an army greater than what he used in conquering the south. I made a lot of mistakes in my life but I regretted only three. Do you all know what that is?"

My prime minister held unto me and said. "Please, Your Majesty. We too are to be blamed."

I made him let go of my arm which he held and said. "I'm not finished, Prime Minister. Stand back." He bowed and returned to where he stood, tears imminent in his eyes. "The first regret I have is not listening to everything my father wanted. The former king taught me a lot of things. Things about ruling, both in civil way and the military way. He taught me how to reach out and speak to people. He taught me how to deal with nobles and merchants as well. But I didn't listen to him. Instead, I only lusted for power. The power to rule over people and get what I want without any questions. Even after he died, I didn't shed a single tear. What I felt was happiness because I am now the person sitting in his throne, obtaining his powers and authority. But not listening to him made me regret almost everything. I don't know how to speak with you people or to deal with the military or to assess the problems and needs of the empire. I failed my family, my father and my ancestors." I stood up and bowed to everyone after saying that.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

I then returned my posture and spoke again. "My second regret was listening to warmongering. I am to be blamed for I initiated almost all attacks towards our neighbors but I also want to stress out that it isn't wholly my fault. I am just a human. I can also be tempted with earthly desires. I too seek riches, power, fame, women and authority. But, cowardly as I am, I listened to bad counsel which led to this. Our neighbors don't respond to us. Our neighbors in the south are attacking us and all traders have stopped supplying us. I really regretted ever listening to bad counsel."

I exhaled and continued. "My last regret... was angering the Hydra Prince." I eyed everyone in the room and spoke again. "Never in the history of the Empire did we suffer such great losses, save the dragon attacks 400 years ago. Never did any of my predecessors encounter such a thing and yet, here I am. I never would have thought that the Prince from Valois had such might that not even three-quarters of an army could stop him. Never in the history of the empire did any monarch step into imperial soil as a conqueror. I have deeply regretted what I did. But know this, all of you. I did it for the Empire. To strengthen us and to save us from the recession. But I was wrong on my decisions and I deeply regretted it. I really regretted it."

"It's too late for regrets, you know."

Suddenly, a voice I don't know resounded in the chamber. Everyone then made their eyes look towards the source of the voice. In the entrance of the chamber stood a young man in black armor with silver ornaments and a golden multi-headed dragon on his chest. He carried with him two spears of different lengths. What is more surprising is his white hair that really stood out and the childish voice he had. White hair? It can't be... My thoughts were disturbed when the young man spoke again.

"I have finally met you in person, Emperor. Have you received my present to you some time ago? He was really feisty, you know. Oh, where are my manners. I am pleased to meet you all today. Emperor, nobles, knights, ladies and gentlemen, I have come here personally to meet you all in person. I am the southern hick that you all tried to undermine and conquer. Ironic though, you are now the one being conquered. I guess you all know who I am, correct?"

I answered him with only one word. "Yes."

"But maybe some of you might not know me so I will introduce myself. I am Prince Beale Maxime Thierry de Agmanac de Valois, Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Agmanac and Conqueror of the the Luxum Empire." He said with as he arrived just 10 paces before me with a smile plastered on his face.

I guess this is really the end.

Belial POV

"So, since you are all here, this would be quick. I am here to offer you two choices. Submit to me or perish. That's it. Pretty simple huh? So, decide." I asked as I faced the imperial nobles.

Suddenly, a small spike was shot towards me. Before I could move, Kapharel, who was supposed to be hidden, showed herself and stopped the projectile. After catching it, she shot it back to where it came from. A yelp was all that was heard before a loud thump resounded to the chamber. She then kneeled towards me and spoke.

"I have dealt with the assassin, Your Highness."

"You know that was unnecessary."

"Such a thing won't even harm Your Highness' clothes."

"Then why do it?"

"It's insignificant to have you deal with it yourself."

"Haa. Fine." I returned my gaze to the crowd of nobles in front of me. "Well? Your decisions?"

Suddenly, the emperor behind me spoke. "Is there really no chance for us to pursue a more peaceful approach?"

I turned around and faced the emperor. "Woah. That's rich coming from a person who spied on me, then tried to kill me. After that, you again lied to me and decided to attack me to take back the territories I took from the empire as payment for your transgressions. Now, why would I listen to your demands when you have lied to me a lot of times? You think because I am a kid, you could easily manipulate me? I am not naive, emperor. I already gave you a chance. It was you who didn't take it."

He stood up and deeply bowed. "I apologise for all the wrongs I have done towards you. I promise that the empire will never seek out Agmanac and we are willing to pay for all the loss you have incurred during this war. We will compensate you with twice the amount so please, accept this offer of ours along with my sincerest apologies."

I looked at him and soon began to laugh. I laughed so hard that the entire chamber was echoing my laughter. I then regained myself and said.

"Are you a retard?"

Dumbfounded, the emperor asked. "Re-retard?"

"Yeah, a retard. You see, my army have already completed their objective. They have already seized all exits of this capital and that includes secret tunnels and hidden doors. Your Capital is now locked up tight. Your soldiers are without arms and armor and your siege weapons are all destroyed. A million of my troops now occupies all major thoroughfair and districts of the capital while the other four million are just outside the capital, guarding all principal points of exit. I have already conquered your capital before you had the time to ready yourselves. So all of your propositions of peace are unsubstancial. I already captured you and your capital and the last remnants of your armies are now unarmed and unarmored. In short, why would I make peace with a prisoner?"

He was visibly shocked for a second then he wryly smiled. "It seems like... there is no chance for negotiations. What if I told you that the empire could be a vassal country of your principaity? Would that work?"

"I already said. Everything here is already mine. I am just here to talk to you and the imperial nobles. That is all."

Suddenly, a noble spoke. "I am willing to submit!"

"I am willing too!"

"I as well!"

"And I!"

"I am willing to submit to you, Your Highness."

"""""We are willing to serve you, Prince Beale!"""""

Almost all nobles, save a few, kneeled and bowed their heads towards me. I simply smiled at them and said.

"Is that so? You are willing to submit?"

A noble whom I think is a duke-ranked spoke. "Yes, Your Highness. We are willing to submit to you."

"I see. I see."

After I said that, multiple black tendrils found their way to the kneeling nobles and immediately pierced, stabbed and skewered them. Multiple black tendrils dug their way to the flesh of the nobles, making them bleed to death. The duke-ranked noble, who could still speak, talked to me.

"Wh-why?"

"Hmmm... 'Why' you ask. I'll tell you. I don't like fencehoppers. You knew the empire is doomed and so you tried to hop over my side to avoid being incarcerated or stripped of your rank and status. Well, I'm sorry to say this to you but that ain't gonna happen. I am the one to decide what would happen to this country. And my decision? None of your here deserve to them. When I said 'submit' earlier, it was meant to tell you guys whether you are willing to bow to me or not. I guess I asked for to much for people like you to understand."

"Yo-You... de-demon..."

"Says someone who committed so much atrocities that even demons pale in comparison." I turned my head towards the emperor and said. "Should we do this the easy way or the hard way?"

He walked towards me and threw a white glove. Before the glove even reached me, it disintegrated. The emperor was shocked yet he immediately recovered after a few second. He then spoke to me.

"With little honor and pride I have left, I challenge you to a duel. I know how this would end but at least I would boast to my predecessors that I diead fighting."

I just stared at him for a long while. Then with a cold look, I told him. "You don't deserve that honor."

Visibly shaken, he yelled. "I HAVE THAT RIGHT! DON'T DENY ME OF IT! I-"

"That's rich coming from a person like you. Breaker of promises, treaties and oaths. Enslaver of Man and Mer. Master of genocide. If you had honor, it had long since gone. What remained is an animal caged inside a body of man. But at least a beast does what he does due to instinct and nature. You do it for avarice and power. Now, where is the honor of dueling with someone like that? Not even your title could give you such honor. It would only stain the reputation of those who came before you."

"I... I am... the... EMPEROR!"

"Since you want an honorable duel, you can have it. But I won't do it. My other monarch friends will do it." Turning towards the door, I yelled. "THE STAGE IS ALL YOURS! COME HERE AND HAE YOUR REVENGE!"

The door slowly opened and in came two figures. One with tall female with silver hair, green eyes, pointy ears and carries a rapier. The other is short male with red hair, red beard and carried a warhammer. They walked towards the throne and everyone was visibly shocked by the two's arrival. When they arrived, they bowed towards me.

"Prince. I, Anuriel, thank you for your kindness. As queen of the elves, I am thankful that you have given me a chance to deal with all these... scum. I really appreciate it." the silver-haired elf stated.

"Your Highness. I, Highking Thormund, thanks you for this opportunity. At last, I would have the chance to execute the people who enslaved my people." The red beard dwarf said

"I have enclosed this chamber with my spell. None of the people here will be able to escape. Did you deal with the nobles who wanted to get away?"

""Already did, Prince."" they both answered in unison.

"I leave them to your hands then." I then stepped aside and created a barrier to myself and Kapharel.

Thormund the dwarf then spoke. "Anuriel, I will deal with the rabble in the left, you deal the ones on the right. Would that suffice?"

"I agree. Let's save the best for last. Or in this case, the worst."

"I just had the same idea. Hehehe. It's about time my hammer taste the blood of the enslavers!" He then jumped towards the nobles who are now scrambling to get away.

"Tosay marks the day that my fallen kin would be avenged." She then disappeared and a few moments, reappeared near the nobles while decapitating two of them.

Soon, the whole chamber was filled with death throes and screaming. Everytime Thormund swings his hammer, something is bound to break. The nobles that are hit my the hammer could either have an exploded head or a severed limb or have their guts spilling out. Thormund may have a smile on his face but it is not just any smile. That kind of smile is created by those who use the skill Blood Drunk. The person experiencing this can go to a killing frenzy if not regulated. Thormund's eyes were red unlike his supposed yellow eyes. I just wish he wouldn't destroy everything in the chamber.

On the other hand, Anuriel is moving swiftly and quietly like the wind. But rather than a gentle breeze, she is like a storm whose gusts can throw off a man of the ground. Her wind blades and her rapier pierces everything in their path. Her eyes glowed like that of owls and cats in the night. She activated a skill called Wind God's Grace. Although she activated it in the smallest possible way, it still caused devastation to anyone or anything her windblades and her rapier hits. The skill enables the caster to use wind- type attacks without casting a spell but the magicka consumption varies from the strength of the winds you want to produce.

Looking at the horrifying seen, the emperor ran towards me and yelled. "HYDRA PRINCE, IF YOU ARE A MAN THEN FIGHT ME?!"

"I'm no man. I'm not even 13 yet."

"ENOUGH OF YOUR SARCASTIC REMARKS! AS A MONARCH, HONOR ME AND YOURSELF BY DUELING ME!"

"They are also monarchs with ranks even higher than I am. Besides, they have more reasons to destroy your empire and kill you than me."

"YOU-"

"I won't deal with you. You know why? Because I don't want to stain my hands. Your filth might be contagious."

Before he could even retort, two hands gripped his shoulders. The emperor shivered when those hands began exerting some pressure.

"No need for His Highness, Prince Beale, to dirty his hands because of you. I will deal with you with my own hands." said Anuriel with her green eyes still glowing.

"Don't forget about me, elf. I, too, have a score to settle with this bastard after what he did to my people. Ready yourself, human. I will personally execute you.

"No... NO! UNHAND ME, YOU FILTHY CREATURES!" He then turned to me and said. "PRINCE BEALE, I AM WILLING TO LET YOU KILL ME WITHOUT RETALIATING BUT PLEASE, DON'T LET THIS UNHOLY BLOODS KILL ME! IT WILL SHAME MY PREDECESSORS AND THE HISTORY OF THE EMPIRE! HOW ABOUT THIS! I, EMPEROR-"

"I will no longer listen to your garbage. Anuriel, Thormund. He is all yours. I will be at the palace's main rooms and the harem castle. I know his family is there. Better do this job thoroughly."

""At once, Your Highness."" Both of them acknoledged my order and began to drag the emperor away.

I looked at Kapharel and said. "Lead two thousand men. Kill all servants in this palace. But don't go down the slave pits, the dungeon and the slave quarters. I will deal with that."

"Yes, milord." She then released her wings and flew away.

Seeing her off, I told myself. "Gotta finish this quick." I then teleported to the main rooms above the castle.

Empress Serafina POV

I saw the smoke coming rising up from the city below. I even saw destroyed structures and fleeing people. Screams and wails have dominated the atmosphere of the capital. Then soon after, waves of black armored soldiers stormed the city. They started killing any person that dared to fight them. I even saw a city guard being cleaved in half with a bastard sword. With me are my children that are not in line to the throne. I only gave birth to women after my son, the supposed crown prince. When my son died in battle, my credibility as an empress plummeted. I may be titled empress but I bear no power to the Crown and the Court. I huddled my three daughters closer to me as to prevent them from freaking out and crying. My eldest daughter, 3rd Princess Gabrielle, had gone missing and all that's left to me are my three young daughters. We were in a corner of our room when suddenly, the door opened. The guards outside didn't declare the visitor's presence nor did we hear anything about a visitor earlier. Even without my rights, I am still titled Empress. I took a peek to see who came in and saw a black armored young man with silver hair. His armor is similar to those who are slaughtering everyone outside. An intruder?! Inside the castle?! What are the guards and knights doing?!

The young man seemed to have seen me and walked towards me. I then rushed towards my daughters and shielded my body in front of them. I knew it was futile but as a mother, I wanted to protect my children from this person. When the young man was 4 paces in front of me, he stopped. With a childish voice, he spoke to me.

"Are you Empress Hektarina of the Luxum Empire?"

"I am. And you are intruding in our private quarters so ay I suggest that you leave immediately before the guards find you here." I replied to him as calmly as I could.

"That won't be a problem then. I have the whole city and palaced neutralized and all personnel related to the emperor have been dealt with. So there won't be any guards that will capture me. Besides, this is already my palace and the entire empire is already under my control."

"You... Who are you? Wait... You couldn't be..." I can't help but mumble and tremble when realization dawned to me.

"I guess you already know who I am?"

"Are you really... the Hydra Prince, Prince Beale of Valois?"

"It's Prince Beale of Agmanac, Your Majesty. I have already severed ties with Valois."

"Then there is no need to call me 'Your Majesty' then. I am no longer an empress if what you said is true."

"You are right about that one. But I haven't been crowned so It remains the same."

"So what do you want to a powerless and worthless empress such as I, Prince Beale? I have nothing to offer you as I have no political and social powers."

"I don't really need you for anything. I just want to ask a few questions."

"What questions?" I asked as I am totally confused.

"It regards to your daughter, Gabrielle."

Marseille, Capital of the Kingdom of Valois

King Hector POV

"How's the situation?" I asked the general in front of me, Margrave Caroline, who is the current Army General of the whole army of Valois.

"We are currently blind, Your Majesty. All scouts that try to infiltrate Agmanac or the Empire are either warned not to proceed or shot down and killed without warning. All familiars too are destroyed, even the small roddent-types. I'm afraid Prince Beale doesn't want anyone going to his territory or to the empire in which he is currently warring with. I have learned a lot from the tactics the Prince gave me before and I know that he is doing this so that no vultures and scavengers would come and share his kill." He said with a serious tone.

"Meaning?"

"He wants to keep all of it to himself."

"PREPOSTEROUS!" A noble, Marquess Penthievre exclaimed. "We also have a right to claim a part of the empire should the Prince conquer it! Our fathers and forefathers fought endlessly against the northern imperials with their lives! Plus he is a part of the Royal Family of Valois! He had the responsibility to bring his people to prosperity, not to selfishly take everything for himself!"

"Marquess Penthievre, I'm afraid we cannot demand him of anything." I pulled out a letter from my robe, raised it up high and said. "This is the Prince's declaration of independence. It is stated here that he is severing ties with the Kingdom and his family. He also said that he will pay the amount needed to buy Agmanac and pay it ten times more. He also said that if the Kingdom wants to conduct trade and business in Agmanac, it would be under his consent. No nobles from the court could visit Agmanac unless he allows it. Also, if any of us try to invade and conquer Agmanac, we will be the next Luxum."

"How... HOW COULD THAT BE?! HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE-"

It was General Caroline who cut off the marquess' rant and spoke. "He managed Agmanac by himself. He made it prosper by his own strength. He conquered the Empire carrying only his troops. He never called for aid and never asked for it. When our northern troops are about to be overrun, it was the Prince who saved them from their predicament and annihilated the empire's army. Not one of you here in this chambers could do that. Even I couldn't do that. We are all nobles here but who has a dominion more prosperous than Agmanac? None. If you say Agmanac is rich because of its location then I will bash you in the face. Agmanac is a mountainous region. Worst of it, she is bordered with the empire in the north. Almost three-quarters of Valois' northern border is under Agmanacian control. They are at a constant war with the Empire than us. Then how did the Prince make Agmanac prosper? Only he knows. But one thing is for certain. Should we be crazy enough to challenge him... then Valois will seize to exist."

Penthievre roared when he heard that. "WORDS FROM A COWARD! HE IS A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY! HE HAS A JOB TO HONOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM AND SECURITY! THEY ARE THE REASON WHY HE LIVED! HE LIVED THROUGH THEIR DEATHS!"

It was this time that Caroline snapped. "THEN WHAT SHOULD WE DO, PENTHIEVRE?! I ARRIVED IN THE NORTH CARRYING REINFORCEMENTS WHEN I SAW HOW THE PRINCE LED HIS ARMIES TO TRAMPLE THE IMPERIAL SOLDIERS! I WAS THERE! HE LED A GROUP OF SOLDIERS, ONLY NUMBERING ABOUT A THOUSAND, IN THE BATTLEFIELD. YOU KNOW WHAT HE DID?! HE LITERALLY BURNED THE ARMIES IN FRONT OF HIM! EVERYTIME HE CASTS A SPELL, MORE THAN FIVE TO TEN THOUSAND IMPERIAL SOLDIERS DIE DUE TO THE SHEER SIZE AND POWER OF HIS SPELLS! AND THAT WAS JUST A THOUSAND! DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY SOLDIERS DOES THE PRINCE HAVE IN HIS ARMY?! LAST REPORT WAS 20 MILLION BLACK ARMORED SOLDIERS! 20 MILLION! ON HOW THE FUCK DID HE ACQUIRE SUCH AN ARMY, ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW! ALSO, DID YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KINGDOM OF DYA NTOTILA?! IT'S NOW GONE AND RENAMED MARGRAVIATE OF PITTSBURG AND IS NOW UNDER AGMANACIAN CONTROL! THEY INVADED THE SAID KINGDOM BECAUSE WHILE HE IS FIGHTING UP NORTH, DYA NTOTILA SENT SLAVERS TO ATTACK THE PRINCE AT THE BACK! BUT WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT THEY WERE CONQUERED INSTEAD! NOW, MARQUESS PENTHIEVRE. TELL US HOW CAN WE MAKE THE PRINCE FOLLOW US AND OUR WORDS?! YOU CALLED ME A COWARD?! FINE! I AM A COWARD! I MEAN WHO WOULDN'T COWER TO A PERSON WHO COULD TAKE ON AN EMPIRE BY HIMSELF?! TO MAKE THE EMPIRE KNEEL AND COMPENSATE BY HIMSELF?! TO A PERSON WHO MADE THE EMPIRE EXPERIENCE SUCH PREDICAMENT?! IF YOU ARE BRAVE, THEN I WILL RETIRE AND GIVE YOU MY OFFICE! LET US ALL SEE HOW YOU PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE PRINCE!" He then hurriedly took off his ornamented sword that signifies his rank and walked towards Penthievre. "Take it! You are now the commander of the kingdom's army."

"I... I..."

"You have sullied my honor by calling me a coward. There is no way you could renege such words when it was already spoken in such a dramatic way. Take it. You are now the army's commander." He turned and faced me then bowed. "I am now retiring on being the army's commander. I would like that I be allowed to do so. Have Marquess Pethievre hold the office on my behalf."

"Do we really have to do this, Aldher?" I asked Margrave Caroline using his name.

"I am now old, Your Majesty. I have served your father before you. I would like to retire."

"Granted. Say hello to Avril for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." He then bowed again and left, leaving the chamber in deep shock.

"Now then, General Penthievre. How do you plan in dealing with our current situation?"

"Your Majesty, I... I am not fit to carry such responsibility. Perhaps someone with more experience-"

"You have that sword and you are young. Deal with it. You challenged an old man's integrity and honor. The least you could do is honor him by doing things that would not lead to him regretting that he made you the army chief." I said with a stern voice.

"Ye-yes, Your Majesty."

"Well then. Let's continue with our discussions."

"Your Majesty, what of Princess Alaine?" A noble asked me.

I just smiled and said. "She is currently at the most secure place on this continent. No need to worry about her."

"Where is she, if I may ask?"

"In his brother's place." I said with a smile as I then proceeded to site another problem.

Belial POV

Empress Serafina just finished answering all the questions I asked her, especially about Gabrielle. I found out a lot about that girl that the hunch I had about her seems to be true. But to know the whole truth about her, I need to find the person herself. After exhausting the questions I prepared, I then spoke to the empress amiably.

"So that's how it is. I'm grateful for your cooperation, Empress Hektarina. Now, how do you want me to deal with you and your daughters?"

"So my uses have ended."

"Indeed it has."

"Would you spare my children? They are innocent."

"There is no such thing as innocence, empress. Humans are born to sin. It is in their nature."

"Maybe they are but... children are children. They may have stolen a candy or broke a glass window or ruined something like a dress or curtain but in the end, those are petty crimes of a kid. You would kill them over those sins you are talking about?"

"Guess not. I am planning to send your daughters to Atalanta, back in Agmanac, to be trained. They will have to learn to earn their keep. And unless they rebel against me, they will live. Is that fine with you?"

"Are they going to be trained as... sex slaves?"

"Whaat?! No! They will be trained as battlemaidens. If they fail, chambermaids. If they fail even that then they aren't worth keeping and feeding."

"I see. Fine. That life is better than being imprisoned in your own home."

"Is that so? Hmmm... Stand up and step forward. I promise I won't kill them."

She then stood up and walked towards me. "What now?"

"Now..." I threw a stone that created a magic circle under the three young princesses. "Bathin, do it."

Light enveloped the sisters then a few secondsafter, they are gone. Shocked by the event, the empress looked at me with tears in her eyes.

"You said you wouldn't kill them!"

"I didn't. I transported them back to Atalanta to have my chief chamberlain Liliana, teach them."

"Transported? You just teleported three young children to your palace?! But that is at least 2 months away!"

"How did you think we arrived in your capital before your people even expected it?"

"I see. The empire have totally lost. What will happen to me now, Prince Beale"

"You? Nothing. I will just make you my servant."

I stared at her using my "Eye of Providence" and saw that she, too, have a mysterious status board.

Name: Serafina Tudor y Luxum Level: 40 Titles: Empress of the Luxum Empire, ??? Job/s: Beginner Hydromancer, Beginner Electromancer, Intermediate Bard, Intermediate Dancer Health: 600/600 Magicka: 540/540 Stamina: 120/120 Strength: 50 Intelligence: 100 Vitality: 500 Dexterity: 30 Agility: 30 Endurance: 100 Luck: 80 Active Skills Water Magic Lvl 6 Musical Instrument Mastery Lvl 14 Electric Magic Lvl 4 Singing Lvl 13 Dancing Lvl 13 Oratory skills Lvl 13 Passive Skills Passion Aura Undeterred Will Endurance Aura ??? ??? ??? Status Sealed Unawakened Weakened ??? ??? ???

Just like her daughter. And now I know why they have this status. They are like me. Unawakened beings that might hold immense powers. She and Gabrielle might be a demon or they might be an angel. With the church taking Princess Gabrielle, I know for certain that she is someone that is worth more than what could be seen in the eye. I wanted to verify further if my hunch was in fact true or not. One way to find out is by making her create a contract with me. My contract might trigger something inside this woman.

"Empress Serafina, are you willing to submit under me? To follow me and serve me for the rest of our life? To abide my rules and laws and to never betray me? To worship me and to obey my commands without question or doubt."

"Why? I am of no talent. I am someone who has nothing to give you. Why do you want me as a servant? Surely, there are many out there who could help you more than me." She asked me with a hint of doubt in her voice.

"It is you that I wanted, Serafina. I don't have a need of those who are starving for power while leeching off. I will ask you again. Will you serve me as your king and believe in me without a shed of doubt or fear?"

"I... Is it really okay for you to... have someone like me?" She asked again but this time, with a more amiable tone.

"Yes. You are worthy to serve me and be a servant under my rule."

She then kneeled down and spoke. "I... I, Serafina Tudor y Luxum, pledge that I will forever serve my only liege lord and king, King Beale of Agmanac. I will dedicate all of my life and power on serving my king until the day I die. This I solemnly pledge..."

Suddenly, immense light erupted from Serafina and blanketed the whole room. Then, all light congested on the spot where Serafina kneeled and after a few seconds, it revealed a young blonde-haired woman dressed in white garbs. But what is more surprising about her is that she now had a halo on top of her head and 3 pairs of snow shite wings that radiated holiness and purity. After a long while she looked at me and smiled.

"I am honored to be in your presence. Prince Valiel, Lord of Light, Protector of the Heavenly Court and leader of the Seraphim." She said as she bowed down.

"I no longer carry that name and those titles after I was betrayed by Heaven. Speak. Who are you?"

"I am the current holder of your position in heaven as the leader of the seraphim, Prince. I am Seraphiel."

"Do you know why you are here?"

"After the unrest on the Heavenly Court, I was sent here by Our Father, though the reason eludes me. The woman you made a contract is my mortal incarnation. Yet because it was you who made the contract, it made me resurface and here I am now." She said with a smile on her face.

"Then do you know the situation you are in?"

"Of course. I know that the contract you made my mortal incarnation to do is soul-binding. I, who is the real entity, cannot break the vows at is can be seen as 'me' doing the pledge. If I am right, you are going to 'consume' me." She said with her radiant smile pasted on her face.

"I am going to consume your essence as an angel. It will sever your connection with God and you will forever be under my will."

"That would be bad, right? But lately, Father is somewhat... not himself. Maybe this is divine providence. I may have been fated to support you." She then opened up her arms as if accepting me and said. "Do what you must, Prince Valiel. I am ready."

Magicka gathered to my hands and said. "That I will. And my name isn't Valiel anymore. It's Belial." I touched her head and invoked my spell. "MENTIS LITURA".

Black and violet colored magicka entered the smiling Seraphiel's head. Soon, her smile faded and she just stared at me with unfocused and unlit eyes. I have erased everything about who she is or her connection to Heaven. Unlike Kapharel, Seraphiel willingly submitted herself to me for reasons only she knew. Now that her mind is a black slate, I then proceeded to plant memories to her mind.

"FALSUM MEMORIAS"

She is older than Kapharel so she needs more 'memories' in her mind. I made them all as realistic as possible, though all I planted in her head are false memories of me and her days of serving me. All so that she won't betray me. After a few moments, the dead-eyed Seraphiel moved. When she saw me, she smiled and said.

"Why are you looking at me like that, milord?"

"Nothing. I was just... No really. It was nothing."

"You're being weird, milord."

"Enough. Here." I tossed to her a battlemaiden dress. "Wear that. I don't want to see you in the garbs you are in right now. I will step outside and proceed to the other rooms to do a search. Come after me when you are done.

"Yes, milord."

Stepping out, I suddenly felt a great amount of power surging inside me. It feels like my insides are burning and I am having difficulties in breathing. Soon I succumbed to darkness as my eyesight faded. My statis board floated in front of me though and I saw some staggering changes. Although pain is invading my body, I couldn't help but smile while looking at my power up.

Name: Prince Beale Maxime Thierry de Armagnac de Valois (King Belial) Level: 2900 Titles: Former Second Prince of the Valois Kingdom, Prince of Armagnac, The Tyrant, The Damned, The Worthless, The Defiled, The Betrayed, The Unwanted, The Plague, The One who Defied Fate, The One who Challenged God, The Fallen, The Watcher, The King of the Unwanted, The Breaker of Fate, The Evil Incarnate, The Awakened, The Returner, The Angel Killer, The Angel Corruptor, The Bane of Angels Job/s: Weapon Specialist, Mythic Warlock, Legendary Alchemist, Mythic Pyromancer, Mythic Conjurist, Mythic Assassin, Mythic Illusionist, Seraph (Fallen) Health : 2910000000/2910000000 Magicka: 4074000000/4074000000 Stamina : 2910000000/2910000000 Strength : 2910000000 Intelligence : 2910000000 Agility : 2910000000 Dexterity : 2910000000 Vitality : 2910000000 Endurance : 2910000000 Luck : 1 Wisdom : 2910000000 Corruption : 100% Active Skills: Fire Magic : Lvl. 75 Darkness Magic : Lvl 75 Weapon mastery : Lvl 75 Illusion magic : Lvl 65 Alchemy : Lvl. 65 Conjuration Magic : Lvl 75 Assassination : Lvl 75 Curse Magic : Lvl 75 Passive Skills: All-Seeing Eye Angelic Transformation (Fallen) Demon Transformation Corruption Aura Death Aura (Un)Holy Aura Domination Judgment ??? ??? Status Secondary Awakening Regressed State Seal removed Cannot level up though menial means (Needs Angelic Essence to level up) Weakened state removed Weapons Vault Unlocked ??? ??? Familiars/Contractor Paimon Level 2772 Gaap Level 3686 Gremory Level 2593 Zagan Level 2285 Bathin Level 2254 Glasya-Lebolas Level 2614 Murmur Level 2360 Leraje Level 2477 Amon Level 3449 Asmodeus Level 4351 Liliith (Liliana) Level 440 Adramelech (Malek) Level 513 Kapharel Level 1000 Seraphiel Level 3800 Weapons Bleeding Spear (Longinus) (Sealed) Chrysoar Claiomh Solais (Unusable) Fragarach Trishtrya

I have leveled up way too much but not enough. Eventhough I did subdue Seraphiel, she was unawakened. Meaning, the only essence I got from her is from her intitial awakening stage. As I see it, I cannot even imagine what would it be like to consume a fully awakened seraph's essence. If the pain I am experiencing right now is already this painful, what more if I consume something more higher than Seraphiel like Samael or Michael. I think I might blackout. I immediately called Seraphiel telepathically.

[Seraphiel...]

[Yes, milord. How can I be of service?]

[I am just outside the room. Carry me inside. Guard me.]

[What happened, milord?!]

[No more questions. I am blacking out. Remember. Guard me.]

[Yes, mi-]

Her words were cut off along with my consciousness.

3 days later

I opened my eyes and saw a bed canopy. Seraphiel brought me inside as instructed. I then tried to sit myself when a pair of soft hands held unto me. I looked to my right to where the hands originated and saw that it was Seraphiel who did it. What was surprising is that she had her white wings still in full view.

"Seraphiel... Why aren't you retracting your wings?"

"I prefer it this way, milord. But if you want to, I could retract it." Immediately, her wings folded and disappeared from my sight.

"How long have I been out?"

"It's been 3 days, sire." another voice sounded in the room. A voice I know too well.

"Paimon..."

"Everyone is here, sire. Not just me and not through astral projections. Literally everyone is here."

I sat myself up and saw my retainers at the foot of the bed I am laying in. "Why is everyone here?"

"Due to your aide, Kapharel's report. She said that you are being carried by a seraph and she cannot take you back by herself. When we arrived, we saw that the seraph with you is stronger than any of us, save Mistress Asmodeus. We were about to attack but when we saw her taking care of you, we had second thoughts. So we waited for you to wake up and tell us what is going on."

"I see. This is Seraphiel, Chief Seraphim of the Higher Court and Leader of all Seraphs. Well, that is before she became my servant."

"Your servant? An unblemished seraphim?"

"I made her that way. No need to worry. She is mine and mine alone. Anyway, what is the situation?"

"The empire has been thoroughly subdued. The skinned carcass of the emperor now stands using a pike in the southern entrance. All noble factions have now been killed and no one could dare rise up against such our forces."

"Any news about Princess Gabrielle and the Church?"

"None. Though last sighting showed that they have left the country through the Dukedom of Galicia."

"Is that so? Very well." Getting off the bed and standing up, I spoke. "You all did a great job. Now, we can declare to the world who I am and what I am capable of. Paimon."

"Sire."

"Have messengers be sent to all the countries in this continent. Tell them that the empire is no more and I declare myself as King of Agmanac, claiming everything that the empire ownedexcept those who belonged to the elves and dwarves. I-"

"No need for that, sire." A voice interrupted me on my words.

"Anuriel."

"We, elves, have come here to say that we are subordinating ourselves to you and your country. We are yours to command." she said as she kneeled.

"The dwarves also came to subordinate ourselves under you, Prince... no, King Beale. We are willing to serve under you." Thormund, who is also present, kneeled to me while swearing an oath.

"Then I will accept such oaths. Rise. You are still your people's monarch but you are subjected to me. I will then carry the title of Great Kingandthe entirety of my domain will be known as the Kingdom of Agmanac. I will later designate your ranks and titles afterwards. For now, announce that to the world while we stabilize the situation."

"Why not name yourself as emperor?" asked Anuriel.

"Why would I? I have great pride over my title of Great King. Let Helel have the emperor title. I have no need for it."

"Who is-"

"Anyway, Paimon." I turn to look at my army general. "Today, I will deliver my inaugural speech. Have the remaining denizens of the city gathered in the palace grounds. I will let them know who their new king is."

"As you wish, my king."

"The rest of you, return to your stations. I will have you all called upon later."

""""""""""Yes, my king."""""""""" All my retainers bowed then disappeared from my sight.

"Kapharel, Seraphiel. Follow me. Paimon, I leave the palace works to your hands."

"I live to serve." Paimon said and then disappeared.

"Where are we going, sire?" asked Seraphiel.

"To the dungeons."

"Why?"

"To finish up my work." I said as I began to walk out of the room, with the two tagging behind me.

We walked through the vast corridors of the imperial palace. Huge portraits and intricate designs can be seen in the hallways and arches as we pass by. Soon, after a few minutes, we arrived at the dungeon entrance.

"I will be going. Both of you stay here."

""By your will, sire.""

I specifically told anyone not to enter the dungeons when we first occupied this palace. As such, it remained as it is and nobody from my retainers and soldiers ventured inside. I opened the entrance and went inside. I haven't even stepped in yet but I can already smell a scent that I am very used to: The smell of death. Inside each jail are dead bodies of what appear to be women bound in their feet and arms. Sex slaves huh? And they are into this kind of 'play'. I went further inside the dungeons only to hear a distinct moaning sound. I walked slowly as to try to assess the situation more clearly. When I arrived to where the sound originated, I saw what expected I would see. A man dressed loosely in the garbs of an imperial soldier is slamming his hips unto a bound elven woman with a fiendish grin in his face. I observed everyone in the room while masking my presence.

Females huddled together in the corner of the room. All of them looked malnourished or starved. But what was most surprising is their skin color. Unlike the elven woman I saw before, they are brown-skinned. They all have silver hair and red eyes, much like mine albeit duller. The elven woman being raped is also brown skinned. She now had a black gaze, as if trying to escape reality. This is where I stepped in.

"Hmmm... Who are you and what are you doing?" I asked the imperial man.

"What's it to yo-" He turned my way and saw me. I was dressed in light clothes rather than my armor and my face is more girly as I had my long silver hair hide half of my face. "Oh. What do we have here? A nicely dressed dark elf cunt. How wonderful. Are you here to entertain-"

"Hold that thought, human. You forgot that I asked you who you are and what you are doing. I am the one asking the questions here, not you." I said, releasing a little bloodlust.

"I... I am..." He frantically looked around and grabbed the elven woman he raped and a knife that was in the table. "You think you can scare me, cunt! Take that sword of your belt and give it to me or I will kill this woman."

Is he nuts or just plain stupid? "Sure. Kill her."

Stupified by my answer, he pressed on again. "I-I will really kill her! Don't think I won't!"

"Then go ahead and do it. That way, I can kill you a little bit easier." I said with a bland tone.

"YO-YOU-"

Before he could even utter again another word, she was stabbed from behind by one of the women who was huddledin the corner along with everybody else. This greatly shocked the man. He let go of the hostage as he screamed in pain. He tried to turn around but he was bashed squearely in the face by another woman using a rock. What came after was a bloddy mess. The woman flocked the man and bashed him with whatever hard object they could hold. They even teared down the table that held the raped woman before and used its legs as make-shift clubs. The man tried to plead that he be forgiven but all I heard from him was jabled words even a translator wouldn't understand. Soon, the death throes of the man seized and everything inside the dungeon returned to its eerie silence. The women then went towards me and kneeled.

"""""Thank you for the assistance, Primogenitor."""""" All of them stated with tears in their eyes.

"You must be mistaken. I am no elf. I may have slightly pointed ears now but I am no kin of yours." I said sternly.

One of the women spoke to me in a confused manner. "But... You exude such aura of ancientness. It was said by our elders that should we meet someone of that caliber and has the resemblance of our people, that is our Primogenitor. You-"

Before she could finish talking, I released my wings for them to have a good view. "I am no elf. I am a fallen seraph. And this is wasting my time. I have to check the other cells if there are any other prisoners here that would serve my cause." I retracted my wings then turned around and went out of the cell.

The woman who spoke to me hurriedly dashed in front of me again and kneeled once more. "Forgive me, Lord Seraph. I didn't mean no offense. Please, forgive me. Forgive us."

I just threw 6 purple bottles at them and said. "Drink this and make that dead-eyed woman drink too. This are recovery potions. This should be enough to heal your wounds and malnoutrished bodies. Now, I have stuff to do." I went passed her and went further inside the dungeons.

The woman I gave the bottles to gave a loud cry of anguish but was yelling 'Thank you' on my back. Not minding those women, I began inspecting the cells. All I saw was thin and malnourished bodies of what seems to be elves and beastmen. I didn't do nothing but destroy their cells using black tendrils and kept on walking, not minding whether they went out or not. Finally, I arrived at the last room. Just like any other jail dungeons, the last room holds the most dealiest prisoner a settlement have. I pried open the door to see what is inside, only to be shocked by what I discovered. In it was a dragon bound in chains.

"Wo los hi, Jul? (Who are you, human?)" said the dragon.

"Zu'u los Belial, Lot Jun do Hell. (I am Belial, Great King of Hell.)"

"Los hi het wah krii zu'u? (Are you here to kill me?)"

"Zu'u drey ni. Zu'u bo wah stin hi. (I did not. I came to free you.)" I answered.

"Hi mindol zu'u fen sahvot hi? (You think I will believe you?)

"Zu'u lost ont al fin junaar. Pah do nii los no dii. Ol los hi. (I have already destroyed the empire. All of it are now mine. As are you.)" I said with a confident smile.

"Hi... Hi los ni aan Mun. (You... You are not a Man.)" said the dragon.

"Zu'u loss aan Mahlaan. Nuz zu'u drey ni bo het wah tinvaak. Zu'u lost bo het wah ask hi, dovah. Los hi fen wah qiilaan wah zu'u? (I am a Fallen. But I did not come here to talk. I have come here to ask you, dragon. Are you willing to submit to me?)"

"Ahrk fod zu'u fen ni? (And if I will not?)" The dragon asked with a serious question.

"Ruz zu'u fen krii hi ol hi lost nid kod wah zu'u. (Then I will kill you as you have no use to me.)

"Bwahahahahahaha!!!" The gradon suddenly laughed and bellowed. After a short while, it spoke again. "Hi los kul. Zu'u med daar. Zu'u morah nii los pruzaan fod qiilaan hi. (You are good. I like that. I think it is better if I submit you.)"

"Ruz spaan hin kopraan. Zu'u fen gaar hi. Nos zu'u ahrk zu'ufen krii hi. (Then defend your body. I will release you. Attack me and I will kill you.)

"Zu'u fen ni. Aan dovah dreh nii lo. (I will not. A dragon do not lie.)

I stuck the chains binding the dragon with my black tendrils but it seems to be specially created to cancel magicka-based attacks. Hmmm... there are things like this as well. I have to do some research on this in order to bypassthis weakness. I extended my hands and invoked a spell.

"EXCIEO, CHRYSAOR."

A golden sword appeared in front of me. It had an intricate design. Serpents twirled around the grip and extended towards the sword's guard. The pummel is made of gold with a red orb at the middle. The blade was entirely made of gold which is inscribed with runes. It is a sword that I created that could rival that of any godly weapon. Sadly, it falls short to other weapons mainly due to the excessive magicka you need to use its god-killing attacks. As such, in a long battle, I would be at a disadvantage. But this are only chains that are magicka-resistant. It wouldn't be able to withstand a slash from a god-killing sword. I swunf the sword eight times, the number of chains which was holding the dragon. After that, I returned Chrysaor to the Vault which is I just recently unlocked.

Being freed from the chains, the dragon immediately shook its body and gave a loud bellow. Then, red and green light flashed and intertwine from the dragon. Soon, the light faded and what remained is a lady with flaming red hair. She had dark green scale-like armor that covered her body, or more specifically places that are supposed to be covered. She wore a chest armor that outlined her chest and back. She also wore a battle skirt though only on the sides up to the back and her legs are very visible if seen up front. What was surprising about her is that she had a lizard-like tail behind her. She also have lizard-like wings and two great horns that covers the sides of her head. Her human-like arms are riddled with tiny thorns and her hand and feet are shaped like those of a dragon. When I finished looking at her, she just walked towards me and kneeled.

"Your servant, Vala Sygax, have come to serve."

Name: Vala Sygax Level: 3400 Titles: Former Dragon Queen, Harbinger of Destruction, Mistress of Ruin Job/s: ??? Stats: Cannot be viewed (Level too low) Active skills: Cannot be viewed (Level too low) Passive skills: Cannot be viewed (Level too low) Status: Contractee: King Belial (Absolute Submission)

I saw her status board and, just as I expected, I didn't see her anything significant on it at all, except her titles.

"Follow me, Sygax."

"Yes, My King."

We then walked out of the dungeons and there, I saw the prisoners all sitting down in the corridor. Some were crying and some were smiling. I then asked Seraphiel who was nearby.

"Have them fed and ready to go. I will have Liliana conduct some interviews with these women. Send all elves to Anuriel. As for the beastmen, we will wait for the news from the Great Expanse."

"Yes, sire. But, uhmm... sire, might I ask who is the lady-"

"She is Sygax, the former dragon martriach."

""What?!"" Both Seraphiel and Sygax shouted.

"How... How did you know that I was a former dragon matriarch, sire?" asked Sygax.

"Does it really matter? Hurry up. I don't have time to deal with such unnecessary questions." I said as I began to walk away.

"I'm coming with you, sire." Seraphiel said.

"Did you do what I asked you?"

"I already told Kapharel. Besides, I am Your Majesty's aide."

"Fine. Let's go. Sygax, follow."

"Yes, sire." Sygax immediately tagged behind.

"Now, let us begin our crowning ceremony and proclamation."

Random Imperial Citizen POV

"James, are you okay?" I asked my neighbor who went with me to the gathering that the new king organized.

"I'm alright. But it was horrible to everyone else. Some of them lost their families under the Hydra Prince's attacks. Now, the capital is conquered and the empire is no more. I wonder what will happen to us now."

"I just wish that he isn't as tyrannic as the emperor."

"At least the emperor didn't attack and kill his citizens."

"This is war, James. As an old soldier, I know how hard war is and its effects to us normal citizens. Let us just hope for the best."

Just as I finished speaking, a deafening voice rang out from the balcony of the palace. What I saw there was a young man garbed with black royal clothes and a violet sash going from his left shoulder down to his right waist. He had long silver hair that made him look like a girl but the aura he releases made him look like a beast. Behind him are an assortment of men and women. All powerful. No wonder the empire fell. They messed with a sleeping bear or in this case, a sleeping hydra. The voice coming from the silver haired young man rang again and enveloped the whole palace grounds.

"I AM PRINCE BEALE MAXIME THIERRY DE AGMANAC DE VALOIS! DUE TO THE SINS OF YOUR EMPEROR AGAINST ME AND MY PEOPLE, I HAVE DECIDED TO CRUSH HIM AND MAKE HIM SUFFER FOR THE HUMILIATION HE DID TO ME! NOW, I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY... VICTORIOUS! BY THIS, I WILL PROCLAIM! ALL OF THE EMPIRE NOW BELONGS TO ME! AS SUCH, I AM NOW THE RULING MONARCH OF THIS COUNTRY! BY MY RIGHT, I HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE EMPIRE IS NO MORE! THE FORMER TERRITORIES OF THE EMPIRE WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO MY KINGDOM, THE KINGDOM OF AGMANAC AND I WILL CARRY ON THE TITLE OF GREAT KING! NOW, PEOPLE OF THE FORMER EMPIRE, I COMMAND THEE! SUBMIT TO ME!"

Instantly, all people kneeled, including me, and exclaimed.

""""""""""ALL HAIL THE KING OF AGMANAC! ALL HAIL THE GREAT KING! ALL HAIL KING BEALE! GLORY TO THE KINGDOM!"""""""""""

The people shouted with great fervor and belief. Even I was awestruck to the charisma King Beale exudes. With these, the empire dies but a great kingdom will rise.