The Sovereign Empire of Zephiran.
That was what the official letter on his desk read.
But that wasn't the name of his empire.
In his past life, he ruled over the Obsidian Dominion of Zephiran—a name that struck fear into the hearts of kings, a name that signified his iron rule.
Now, it had changed.
Not completely. But enough.
This wasn't his empire.
Lucian's gaze darkened. Something deeper was at play.
Before he could process further, a knock came at the door again. "My lord," a voice called. "The treasure you requested has arrived."
Lucian froze.
"I never requested any treasure," he said smoothly.
The attendant entered, followed by two servants carrying an ornate black and gold tray, covered in silk embroidered with strange symbols.
As they placed it before him, Lucian's eyes flicked to their expressions.
The first servant, Rynas, kept his head bowed, his posture unreadable. A loyal dog. No threat.
The second—Dion—showed something else. A flicker of hesitation. A tensed jaw. Fear.
Lucian didn't react. Instead, he gestured for them to reveal the treasure.
The silk was pulled away, revealing—
A small, radiant fruit.
It pulsed faintly, as if alive. Deep crimson with black veins, shifting beneath its skin.
The moment Lucian saw it, his body reacted.
A deep, primal craving spread through him. His fingers curled. His heart pounded.
He dismissed the servants with a flick of his hand. The moment the doors closed, he gripped the fruit and took a bite.
A taste beyond human comprehension.
Then—
Agony.
A searing, all-consuming pain ripped through his body. His veins burned. His vision fractured.
A voice echoed in his mind.
[SYSTEM ACTIVATING…]
[WARNING—HOST POWER EXCEEDS LIMITS.]
[FORCED BALANCING IN PROGRESS.]
And then—
Darkness.