Emperor's Reckoning



Lyon studied the watery, blurred image within the arc. It depicted a realm that seemed eerily similar to the First Hell, a place he had already traversed.

Cecile, standing beside him, spoke up, "Looks like quite the adventure awaits. Ready for round two?"

He grinned, "Always. And this time, we're closer to finding her."

Kesya joined the conversation, a playful glint in her eyes, "We have some new intel with Yala and her father's connections."

Selena nodded, "Without a doubt, she is telling her experience about our encounter."

"Though," Cecile sighed, "Knowing her father, it would be rather hard to convince."

The old man interjected, "I think that convincing anyone that died back to life is really hard, not impossible, but hard. Especially someone like Maria's husband."

"My name is literally Lyon," said Lyon before crossing his arms. "Anyway, I thought you said that you can't control The Compendium and that you are bound to it, so what gives?"

"I can move this far but not too far," said the old man before sighing. "With every step further away from that door, I'm using my strength to hold myself together, to not be pulled back."

The old man continued, his eyes sharper than ever as a ray of hope alight from his eyes. "If anyone can find Maria, it's you, I hate to admit it, but it's you. She loves you more than I."

Lyon furrowed his brows, "I don't think you understand Father. I don't remember her well yet, but from what I've heard, she is the nicest person ever. 'Benevolent' was her empress title, I think she still thinks of you as her father."

The old man smirked, "I confined her, and pressed her growth because I was scared of losing her. I doubt that she will ever forgive me— enough wasting time, go forth to the Gong of Thousand Lords and hope the echoes reach her ears."

Lyon nodded, feeling a mix of determination and worry. Finding Maria in this vast and dangerous multiverse was an immense task. But his resolve was unwavering. Maria was out there, and he'd stop at nothing to reunite with her.

He took a deep breath and looked at his companions, his makeshift family. "Let's do this. Second Hell, here we come."

Karina loosened up her neck as Kesya clasped her fist in excitement. Cecile was aware of the dangers, but she was not a cultivator who wouldn't take risks either, much like the Blade Empress who could slay with her intent. And with that, they stepped through the arc, ready for the challenges and mysteries that awaited them in the next realm.

As Lyon stepped into the Second Hell realm, he felt a sudden and profound suppression of his cultivation. It was like a heavy weight pressing down on his spiritual power, significantly weakening his abilities. He exchanged glances with Cecile and Selena, confirming that they were experiencing the same effect.

"This suppression is intense," Lyon remarked, her brows furrowing in concentration. "It's going to be challenging to use my full potential here."

Selena nodded in agreement, her typically calm demeanor showing signs of concern. "We'll need to adjust our strategies accordingly."

Kesya, always the optimist, chimed in, "Don't worry, this is light work."

"Yeah, you're like a megalodon in a sea," said Lyon with a wry smile.

"Huh? What's a megalodon?" Kesya raised her brows.

"It's just giant— forget it," said Lyon before averting the topic to the main one. "Where should we go?"

Selena asked Cecile, "Cecile, do you still remember the layout?"

"No, I don't remember it that well, but it shouldn't be too hard to find," said Cecile. "After all, it was a main attraction, nobody can simply hit the gong and make it rung."

As they thought about how to proceed from there, a wagon simply passed them by. Kesya, with her playful and inquisitive nature, darted in front of the passing merchant's carriage, stopping it abruptly. The carriage driver, a human with magnificent dragon wings, didn't seem too pleased but paused nonetheless.

With an apologetic smile, Kesya leaned toward the driver, her excitement shining through. "Sorry for the sudden stop, sir. I just have a quick question for you. Do you know where we can find the Gong of Thousand Lords?"

After a moment's consideration, the merchant spoke, "The Gong of Thousand Lords, you say? That's not a common destination for travelers, but I can give you directions. 

As the merchant gave them directions to the Gong of Thousand Lords, he added with a hint of excitement, "You're in luck, travelers. The Gong has been quite famous lately. It's become a gathering point for geniuses from all realms who come here to test their skills. You might just witness something remarkable if you're lucky."

As the merchant spoke, Cecile, always curious, managed to peek inside the wagon through a small opening in the curtain. It revealed a typical merchant's load—fruits, vegetables, and other goods neatly packed. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary; this appeared to be a genuine merchant.

Selena, with a tone of anticipation, inquired, "When is this gathering at the Gong of Thousand Lords supposed to take place?"

The merchant, engaging in light conversation, mentioned, "Well, you're in luck. The gathering at the Gong of Thousand Lords is slated to happen in just two to three days. It's a big event."

The news excited the group. Time was of the essence, and it seemed they were on track to reach the Gong right on time for this significant gathering. They exchanged glances, their determination reinforced.

"Thank you for this information," Selena said, offering a warm smile to the merchant. "We truly appreciate it."

The merchant, sensing their urgency, offered a ride. "I can take you halfway there," he said. "I'm headed in that direction myself."

Gratefully accepting the offer, they hopped into the carriage. The journey was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Along the way, they engaged in casual conversation with the merchant, learning about his travels and experiences. The merchant was amiable, sharing tales of various realms and cultures.