Emperor's Reckoning



Karina, overcome by the peculiar atmosphere, hastened to let Lyon go, her cheeks ablaze with a mix of emotions.

Lyon, picking up on the unusual air, stood up, perplexed and slightly bewildered. "I think I need some explanation first," he requested.

"Of course," Cecile concurred her articulation as precise and elegant as ever. She began narrating their journey, from Lyon's unleashing of his bloodline's power in Second Heaven to their current enigmatic encounter. The tale flowed seamlessly, each event unfolding in a concise yet evocative manner.

Amidst the unfolding narrative, Kesya and Selena occasionally chimed in with additional details or anecdotes, adding color and depth to the story. Their voices blended into a captivating account that elucidated their extraordinary experiences, culminating in this moment at the heart of knowledge and mystery.

Lyon was in shock at his own story. He was one step closer to the truth, to his truth. He was in the realm where everyone knew who he was. The emperor that everyone feared, the emperor that everyone looked up to, the identity that had blessed him to this point in his life.

"That's the gist of it," said Cecile.

Sun suddenly appeared all and mighty. His figure was towering above the librarian. His face scowled with arms crossed. "Now, then you have some explaining to do as to why you forbid us, and most importantly me, to accompany my grandson."

The librarian looked up and a reverie of respect unveiled across his eyes in an instant. The might of the Devil Ape was already known as atrocious and brutal, but to be so at such close proximity and even as insignificant as a ghost, it was still suffocating.

"I did some digging about Lyon's history— the man who wields twelve blessings as his arsenal. You must be one of them, the Devil Ape."

"The only one," said Sun with a smirk on his face.

"I have to apologize, it was a misunderstanding but I have some personal matter with your grandson... Huh? Grandson?" the old man raised his brows.

"Looks like you need more digging," Cecile smirked. "All of the twelve mighty beings are his teachers, his guidance, his principle, and above all, his family."

The old man was shocked before he pondered. Something finally made sense, it was not Lyon who sought the power of blessings, he was destined the first time he drew his breath. The old man nodded, "Who might your name be?"

"Sun," he answered with pride on his face.

"Sun... there was one with the same name that sprung up to the surface of three realms like thunder. One so mighty that he was able to fight his entire race and his punishments becomes theirs — the devil who wields the fury of heavens, The Prince of Devil Apes, Sun."

"Heh, in the flesh," said Sun before his confidence turned to a realization, "I mean... ghost."

"But it was said that you have a partner who held the same realm of prowess, he—"

"Hear that monkey," a commanding voice filled with a tone of playfulness arrived. Shen, the True Dragon revealed himself, though not at true size.

"Shen the Exiled True Dragon," said the old man as he was taken back.

"Hah, hear that, you got exiled," Sun was having a field day of laughing.

"Get your facts right old man, I left that place not forced to leave," said Shen before he bickered with Sun.

"Enough," said Rui, "We know ourselves, no need for you to reiterate one by one."

"Hohoho," Bapho with his wisdom laughter arrived, "But my grandson seems to be eager to hear the rest of it."

"Lyon," Rui's eyes softened, "Now is not the time."

Lyon, albeit a bit disappointed nodded, "I understand, mother."

"Now to the matter at hand," Cecile led, "Your presence here must have meant something, right father?"

The old man sighed before he murmured, "Everyone is calling me father these days." he looked up and nodded, "You were always the articulate one— I can't find Maria through the usual methods that I always do. She eludes even her father, that could only mean one thing. She put a veil, or... someone else put it over her."

"Then...?" Selena asked. 

"Combing this entire realm would be the best choice," said Cecile as he muttered.

The old man shook his head, "Use your reputations." he turned to Lyon with his eyes sharp as daggers, "You are the best bait to lure my daughter out."

Lyon furrowed his brows. "Me..?"

"Your name is significant here, unlike the Mortal Realm or Heaven, your name has weight even as years passed. Maybe the newer generations don't know your name, but the historians and those of ancient old will know, for your name is a must-know for them," said the old man.

Lyon's emotions danced between shock and excitement as the old man advised him to discard his low profile and embrace a high-profile existence. The gravity of his own name in the realm of Hell could potentially reverberate far and wide, increasing the likelihood that Maria might hear of his whereabouts. This strategic approach was seen as a beacon that could guide both parties in their search for each other, amplifying the chances of their eventual reunion.

The notion was both empowering and overwhelming for Lyon. It marked a shift from his cautious, covert ways to a bold, audacious approach. He mulled over the implications, considering how he could utilize his newfound knowledge and status in this intricate realm, striving for a balance between intrigue and exposure that would lead him to his beloved Maria. It was a daring step into an unfamiliar realm of possibilities, but one he felt compelled to take.

Cecile, ever the cautious strategist, chimed in with a solemn warning, "Yet, we mustn't be blind to the dangers. Giving Lyon a platform to stand out meaning that he invites both friends and foes."

The gravity of the situation settled on the group. They were ready to embrace the challenge, knowing the risks that lay ahead. It was a gamble for Lyon to expose himself, to proclaim his presence in Hell. But in this gamble, they hoped to find Maria, and sometimes, a leap of faith was the only way forward.