Primordial years:

“Your majesty!” In a large grand bedchamber, a worried looking old man shouted. One could see he had tears accumulating at the corners of his eyes and his face was a whirlpool of anguish. Facing the old man, lying down, was an equally aged man, maybe even older. This man was known throughout the Empire of Imperia as Emperor Cyrus Alabast Imperia. He was a person who held many names throughout his long life. Feared by his enemies as the Black Reaper and revered by his friends as the Immortal Emperor, this was a man who once stood at the very top.

His many exploits and victories were countless and his very name resonated in the souls of everyone present. This man was the founder of the Empire of Imperia, renowned as the greatest empire mankind has ever known. He had everything, from wealth to fame to power. From virtually nothing, he rose and created an empire whose name will make anyone tremble.

Living to an old age of 5000 years old, this man, who was once thought to be invincible, now lies on his deathbed, slowly waiting for the grim reaper to finally take him. The years have taken their toll on him and he couldn’t keep death from finally reaching its hands out anymore.

He had many wrinkles on his face and his long hair was a pure white giving full indication of his age. Despite all this, one could tell that this man was once very attractive with a well-balanced face leading all the way to his deep golden eyes that sparkled like rich jewels.

His expression right now could not be said to be one belonging to a person facing his end. He held a serene expression on his face and his eyes were calm and resolute as though he fully embraced his fate to come.

Right at this very moment, this man had an exquisite robe draped over him. This robe was a symbol of his power, one which he fought many battles in. With gold and black threads neatly woven and cutting across each other forming an “X” at the center, one could see just how finely made those clothes were as they resembled more a piece of art than clothing. At the center of the “X”, an elegant emblem was embroidered, one depicting half a pair of wings, the image belonging to one of the strongest mages that ever existed.

Next to where this man laid was a large scepter giving off a powerful yet calming aura. It was yet another symbol of his power, known as “Wings of Dusk”, it was a weapon crafted of the most unique materials and can be said to be one of a kind. Elegantly decorated with a pair of black wings at the head of the scepter, this weapon would put even the best of craftsmen to shame.

Right now this man chuckled lightly as he smirked back to the old man. “Hehehe, I never knew you were such a crybaby you old bag. To think my right-hand man would shed tears this easily. What happened to the stiff old man that I used to know? You’re ruining the image I had of you, you know? I think I liked your angry expressions better.”

Holding back his urge to retort, the old man sighed with melancholy in his voice, “Even when you’re in this state, you can still talk like that. You should be a bit more serious considering your condition. Though, I suppose I shouldn’t have expected anything less from you. It’s who you are after all.” After he said this, something like a dam broke and tears freely trailed down his face as he lowered his head.

“You’re so cruel your majesty. How could you just leave us like this? The empire still needs you. I still need you. What are we going to do without your guidance and leadership? As a country, we still have so much to accomplish and yet, without you being there with us, anything we manage achieve will just feel empty.”

At these words, Cyrus just looked up at the ceiling and sighed. “My time has come. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not immortal, or at least not anymore. As much as I love this country and wish to see it through to the end, alas I regret to say I’m incapable of doing so.” After a brief moment of silence Cyrus continued on. “Even so, despite my departure, I think the empire will still stay strong to the end. Many will mourn me, sure, but still, I believe that the empire we created isn’t that feeble to just crumble when I’m gone. In fact, this is the perfect time to prove that the country has indeed matured. To be able to stand on its own without my support, I could ask for nothing better. I’m just one man and like everyone else, I’ll eventually die, but the empire will continue to live on without me.”

Once more turning to the old man, “You may not believe it, but right now I’m the happiest I could be seeing the empire that I, no, we built up from all our sweat and tears is standing where it is today. I’m happy for the country we’ve nurtured and I’m happy that even if I perish, my name and legacy will be remembered for all the times to come. My only regret is that I won’t be there when it happens.”

“Nevertheless, despite all my confidence in the empire, I still have my worries for the future. Though it relieves me to know that even when I’m gone, I know I’ve left it in capable hands. You’re strong my friend. I’ve seen that through and through on our days together. You are fully capable of handling everything even without me. You don’t need me. I understand your sadness and pain, but I also know you won’t let it engulf you even when I die. In fact, instead of sadness, you should look proud knowing that from now on you are the new ruler of this country. Don’t let my death be something that hinders you. Hold your head up and show the world what you are capable of. You don’t need me to always hold your hands now do you?” Cyrus grinned.

Wiping away the tears, the old man gave a determined look. “Of course not your majesty, I will make sure that you go down in history as the first emperor of the greatest nation that ever existed.”

Smiling once more, Cyrus looked back to the ceiling. After what seemed like hours, Cyrus asked in an almost inaudible voice. “Hey, do you think I was a good ruler?”

“The very best, your majesty.” Replied the old man.

“Is that so?” Cyrus responded as he slowly closed his eyes while smiling, letting the darkness fully take him.