Chapter 68
Stars shimmered across the night sky above the brightly lit modern city below. Far beyond the city's glow, a lone mansion stood peacefully atop a quiet hill, embraced by the surrounding darkness of the forest.
Haruto sat alone on the balcony before a small round table. He calmly lifted a cup of tea to his lips before taking an unhurried sip, the cool night breeze gently stirring his hair.
(I should return to Ronóva... and to that world.)
His golden eyes quietly reflected the countless stars above.
(Fortunately, becoming a Spiritual Life-Form allows my existence to occupy multiple spiritual coordinates simultaneously.)
A faint smile appeared on his face.
(That saves me from explaining my absence every time. I can remain here... and there... at the same time.)
Silence settled over the balcony once more as Haruto calmly admired the peaceful night sky.
A moment later, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
The quiet hum of a supercar echoed through the night before it smoothly came to a stop in front of the luxurious mansion.
A young man stepped out of the vehicle.
His smooth black hair shifted gently in the breeze, while a pair of crystal-blue eyes without visible irises calmly met Haruto's gaze.
–Ash
(...Hm.)
Haruto watched him in silence.
(What's he doing here?)
A trace of quiet displeasure surfaced within his thoughts as the young man looked up toward the balcony and greeted him with a confident smirk and a casual wave.
Years earlier
Back when Haruto was in the seventh grade of primary school, Velmaria found herself cornered inside the school's gymnasium by three boys, one of whom was Ash.
"Come on, Velmaria. Be my woman," Ash said as he slowly closed the distance between them with a confident grin stretching across his face. "You'll have everything you could ever want."
"I'm not interested." Velmaria calmly took another step back until the cold wall met her back, leaving her with nowhere else to retreat. "I don't like you, Ash. Which part of that don't you understand?"
"As if we'd believe that," the blue-haired boy scoffed, casually brushing his hair aside as arrogance lingered on his face.
"Yeah," the red-haired boy added with a smug chuckle as he folded his arms. "She's just playing hard to get. Maybe you should show her what a real man can do."
Velmaria's eyes wavered almost imperceptibly as the three boys slowly surrounded her, and although she refused to show fear, the malicious intentions in their gazes made her body instinctively tense.
Just as the silence began to grow heavier, a calm voice echoed from behind them.
"Hey... what's going on here?"
The three boys froze almost instantly.
Ash's two friends stiffened the moment they recognized the voice, while Ash forced himself to remain calm, slipping both hands into his pockets as though nothing had changed despite the uneasiness creeping into his chest.
(Oh no... we're screwed.)
The blue-haired boy slowly turned around alongside the red-haired boy, and both of their faces gradually lost their color as Haruto quietly stood behind them with one hand resting inside his pocket, his calm eyes fixed upon the group without the slightest hint of hostility.
"It's you... Satoru," Ash said with a forced smirk as he met Haruto's gaze. "You always manage to ruin my plans."
While the three boys kept their attention fixed on Haruto, Velmaria quietly slipped past them before making her way to his side, instinctively positioning herself behind him as both of her hands gently wrapped around his arm.
Haruto turned his head just enough to meet her eyes, and the coldness within his gaze quietly melted into a gentle warmth that silently reassured her she no longer had anything to fear.
Seeing that look, the tension in Velmaria's shoulders gradually faded, and the anxious beating of her heart slowly settled without her even realizing it.
However, the moment Haruto looked back at Ash and the others, every trace of warmth disappeared from his eyes as though it had never existed.
The atmosphere inside the gymnasium quietly changed.
An invisible pressure spread through the room with silent certainty, making the air itself feel unbearably heavy as though an unseen predator had quietly stepped into the space.
Before either of Ash's friends could understand what was happening, the strength suddenly left their legs, forcing them onto their knees as trembling spread throughout their bodies.
Their faces turned deathly pale while cold sweat ran down their skin, and although Ash somehow remained standing, his entire body shook like a fish thrown onto dry land as every instinct screamed at him to run.
(What... what is this? It feels like... something is hunting me.)
The red-haired boy clutched his chest as his heartbeat pounded violently against his ribs, each beat growing louder than the last until it drowned out every other sound inside the gymnasium.
(If someone brings harm to the people you care about... remove them completely.)
His father's words quietly echoed through Haruto's mind, carrying the same unwavering certainty they always had.
Without taking his eyes off the three boys, Haruto spoke in the same calm voice that had greeted them moments earlier, yet every word carried a quiet certainty that chilled the room.
"Velmaria, go back to class. I want to have a conversation with them."
(A conversation...?)
Velmaria slowly looked up at Haruto, confusion flickering across her face as she searched his expression, but the quiet certainty within his eyes gradually answered the question she never voiced.
She gently released his arm before taking a small step back, and after giving him one last glance, she nodded almost imperceptibly.
"Alright," she replied softly before turning toward the gymnasium doors, a faint smile quietly appearing on her lips as she walked into the hallway, leaving behind only a single amused thought.
(Sucks to be them.)
A while later, an unnatural silence settled over the gymnasium, leaving only the dull, sickening sound of repeated impacts echoing through the empty room.
The two boys lay sprawled across the cold wooden floor, their bruised bodies barely moving as ragged breaths escaped swollen lips, neither of them possessing the strength to stand again.
"How does it feel?"
Haruto's calm voice broke the silence as another measured strike landed across Ash's already bloodied face, leaving him lying motionless beneath the relentless weight of the beating.
There was no anger in Haruto's expression.
Only quiet certainty.
"P... please..." Ash's trembling voice barely escaped his throat as tears welled in his eyes before slowly rolling down his bruised cheeks. "S-stop..."
Haruto remained silent for a brief moment, his unwavering gaze resting on Ash as though calmly deciding whether another word was even necessary.
"If I ever see you laying a hand on the people I care about again," Haruto said in the same quiet voice, "your life will end."
He slowly withdrew his hand before looking down at Ash with an unreadable expression, his eyes never wavering for even a moment.
"So stay away from her."
A brief silence followed.
"You won't be given another chance."
Back in the present, Haruto sat comfortably in the mansion's living room with one leg resting over the table, his relaxed posture carrying the quiet confidence of someone who belonged there more than anyone else.
His gaze settled on the man sitting opposite him, and although his expression barely changed, the slight downturn at the corner of his mouth made his dislike perfectly clear.
"Why are you here?" Haruto asked, his voice calm as both arms rested along the back of the sofa.
Ash let out a careless laugh before lazily waving one hand through the air.
"Relax, Satoru. I'm not here for you," he replied with a smug grin. "Guildmaster Reika invited me."
(...Sister did?)
Haruto's expression remained unchanged as he quietly watched Ash.
(What could she possibly want with someone like him?)
"Sorry," Ash continued with an arrogant smile. "That's business between adults. You can go find something else to do."
Haruto looked at him for a quiet moment before a small, amused smile appeared on his face.
"You really think you're getting under my skin." He rested his cheek against one hand. "That's almost nostalgic."
Ash's smile stiffened for the briefest moment before he let out another laugh.
"That was years ago," he said confidently. "The balance of power changed the moment Mana entered this world."
"And?"
Haruto's response came without the slightest hint of interest, his calm gaze never leaving Ash's face.
"I'm stronger than you now."
Ash's eyes emitted a faint glow as his gaze swept across Haruto's body, the ability hidden within them silently measuring the mana surrounding him.
A grin slowly spread across his face.
"Ahaha... you've barely got any Mana at all. Killing you would be no different from stepping on an ant."
(...What's giving him that idea?)
Haruto quietly watched Ash continue laughing without the slightest change in expression.
『Answer. Subject: Ash has activated the Extra Skill "Magic Eyes" to measure Master's Mana Capacity. Analysis complete. Measurement unsuccessful.』
(I see...)
(My Mana has been concealed within my Spiritual Vessel. Ordinary detection methods won't find it.)
Haruto uncrossed his legs before calmly placing both feet onto the polished marble floor, the movement so casual that it almost felt lazy.
"Even without Mana," he said as he slowly stood to his feet, "I can still beat you."
Ash's laughter stopped instantly.
"What...?"
His confident smile slowly faded as he stared directly at Haruto, unable to understand the certainty behind those words.
"Are you really that blind?" Ash asked, his voice hardening. "The only reason you're standing where you are is because of your family."
(...He's still the same.)
Haruto quietly sighed to himself.
(I probably should've broken more than his pride back then. Mother was the only reason he walked away.)
Before either of them spoke again, the sound of the front doors opening echoed through the mansion, naturally drawing both of their attention away from the conversation.
Haruto slowly rose completely to his feet before making his way toward the entrance, his calm footsteps echoing softly across the marble floor.
Haruto soon met Reika in one of the mansion's elegant hallways, where ornate wall lamps cast a warm glow across the polished floor and gently illuminated their faces.
"Welcome back, Sis," Haruto said with a gentle smile as he walked over before leaning down to place a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you." Reika looked up at him after he stepped back, the corners of her lips lifting into a warm smile. "How have things been?"
"They've been peaceful," Haruto replied calmly before a faint look of amusement crossed his face. "Although... it seems you've invited an unpleasant guest. He spent most of his time trying to provoke me, so I decided it was better not to let my actions interfere with your business."
Reika let out a quiet sigh before lightly shaking her head.
"Leave that to me," she said as she walked past Haruto toward the visitor's room. "I suppose it's time I cancel our contract."
Haruto watched her walk away until she disappeared around the corner, and only then did a small, satisfied smile quietly appear on his face.
(Looks like I won't be seeing him again.)
His gaze slowly drifted toward the large window overlooking the peaceful night beyond the mansion.
(Well then... it's about time I returned to my universe.)
Back in the Satoria Federation, celebration had already spread throughout the nation as the news of the Emperor's return echoed from one city to another, filling countless streets with excitement and anticipation.
"Everyone who wishes to witness the return of our Lord, gather at the Imperial Castle!"
The announcement spread rapidly as people eagerly passed the message from one person to the next, their joyful voices carrying throughout the nation.
The rebuilt capital stretched outward in six enormous concentric rings, each one separated by deep waterways whose crystal-clear surfaces reflected the glow of countless lights.
Elegant bridges connected every district, arching gracefully above the sparkling water while giving the entire city an appearance worthy of an empire.
At the very center of the sixth ring stood a colossal medieval castle forged from black stone, its towering silhouette dominating the skyline and standing in striking contrast to the surrounding districts, where elegant white houses with black rooftops filled the landscape in perfect harmony.
Deep within the castle, the grand throne room stood in solemn silence as towering pillars of dark purple lined both sides of the vast chamber, their polished surfaces disappearing into the distant ceiling above.
Dark purple banners trimmed with golden embroidery hung proudly between each pillar, while a magnificent white spider emblem rested at the center of every banner, quietly representing the authority of the Satoria Federation.
People from every race stood together in neat, organized groups throughout the throne room, with the Oni gathered beside one another while the Humanoid Spiders, Orcs, Elves, and the other races each occupied their own place within the chamber.
Standing beside the magnificent black crystal throne were Lunara, Fuyume, Velara, Chloe Vhalzareth, and Liora, all quietly waiting before the still-empty seat that belonged to their Emperor.
Soft murmurs drifted throughout the throne room as anticipation quietly spread from person to person. Some carried expressions of uncertainty after so much time had passed
,while others waited with burning excitement, their eyes fixed upon the throne as they eagerly awaited the return of the ruler they had long wished to see.
A small spark of white lightning suddenly flickered above the empty throne, drawing the attention of those closest to it while the others quickly turned after noticing the sudden change within the throne room.
"Silence."
Vhalzareth's calm yet commanding voice quietly spread throughout the chamber, naturally reaching every corner of the room.
"It is the sign of our Lord's arrival."
The soft murmurs gradually faded until complete silence settled over the throne room, leaving every eye fixed upon the throne.
The tiny spark suddenly erupted into a brilliant pillar of white light that illuminated the entire chamber, causing many to instinctively narrow their eyes as countless strands of radiant energy slowly gathered together.
The light gradually took shape.
First came the outline of a tall, slender figure, followed by the graceful contours of a human body before elegant black garments slowly formed around him, completing the familiar appearance that every person gathered there had longed to see once again.
Haruto had returned.
The moment they recognized the man now seated upon the black crystal throne with his usual unreadable expression, the entire throne room moved as one.
One after another, every person present lowered themselves onto one knee before their Emperor without the slightest hesitation.
"Welcome home... my Lord."
Vhalzareth lowered his head as a warm smile, softened by genuine joy, appeared across his usually composed face while one hand rested firmly over his chest.
"We've eagerly awaited your return, Haruto," Liora said with a gentle smile, her bright eyes never leaving him.
Haruto slowly looked across the familiar faces standing beside his throne, and although his expression remained composed, a quiet warmth settled within his eyes.
"Thank you... all of you."
His calm voice carried naturally throughout the throne room.
"Thank you for waiting for me for so long."
His gaze gradually shifted beyond them toward the countless citizens gathered below, each one still kneeling with unwavering respect.
"And to every citizen of the Satoria Federation..."
Haruto's voice remained calm, yet every word echoed clearly throughout the vast chamber.
"I've crossed battlefields stained by war, endured countless hardships, and walked through death itself so this Empire could know peace, freedom, and security."
A brief silence followed, allowing his words to quietly settle within every heart.
"There is no greater reward than returning home... and finding my people still believing in me."
Silence filled the throne room once more.
For only a single heartbeat, nobody moved.
Then a Humanoid Spider slowly rose to his feet before proudly raising a fist toward the throne.
"Long live the Emperor!"
The powerful shout echoed throughout the chamber.
Another person stood.
Then another.
Within moments, every race inside the throne room had risen together as countless voices merged into one, the deafening cry shaking the very walls of the Imperial Castle.
"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"
"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"
"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"
Fuyume happily threw her fist into the air, unable to contain the excitement written all over her face.
"Now that's a proper welcome home, my Lord!" she exclaimed with a bright grin. "Long live the Emperor!"
Haruto quietly watched the scene unfold before him as countless voices filled the throne room with genuine admiration, their joy carrying far beyond simple celebration.
(...So this is what peace feels like.)
His slightly softened eyes swept across every face gathered before him.
(It's echoing from every heart... no... from every soul.)
A while later, Haruto decided to hold a grand public celebration beneath the star-filled night sky, allowing every citizen of the Satoria Federation to share in the joy of his return.
Every street glowed beneath countless lanterns as lively music echoed throughout the capital, and people from every race laughed together while dancing around roaring bonfires that painted the night in warm shades of orange and gold.
Others gathered around long wooden tables overflowing with rich wine and dishes unlike anything found beyond the Federation, and with every bite they took, another voice could be heard praising the extraordinary food prepared for the celebration.
Not far away, a long line of citizens patiently waited for the chance to personally greet their Emperor, while Haruto quietly welcomed each person from an elegant chair placed near the center of the festivities.
"Oh... you're the girl Liora told me about."
Haruto looked up with a gentle smile as a young Humanoid Spider nervously stepped before him, her beautiful crimson eyes with delicate white spiderweb-patterned irises framed by short, light violet hair.
—Saory—
"Y-Yes... You remembered me, my Lord."
Saory's nervousness showed clearly in her beautiful eyes as she lowered her head ever so slightly, unable to hide the excitement welling up inside her.
(...They've changed so much.)
Haruto quietly observed her for a brief moment.
(Names truly are special in this universe.)
"Of course I remembered."
Haruto leaned back comfortably in his chair as a warm smile appeared across his face.
"You're the one who made these clothes."
His fingers lightly brushed against the sleeve of his outfit before his gaze returned to Saory.
"Thank you."
"I truly like them."
(I... I created something that God truly likes!)
Saory's heart raced with overwhelming joy as she struggled to contain the emotions rising within her.
"My Lord's praise is wasted on someone like me," she replied shyly. "Everything I have... came from the power you gave me."
Haruto slowly shook his head.
"The power may have opened the path," he said calmly, "but walking it was your own choice."
His gentle eyes rested on her with quiet pride.
"You've evolved into a Weaver because of your own effort."
"I'm proud of how far you've come."
The sincere praise overwhelmed Saory completely.
Her face flushed bright red before she hastily bowed several times, nearly tripping over her own feet as she hurried back through the crowd while trying to hide her embarrassment, earning a few amused smiles from the nearby citizens.
Haruto quietly watched her disappear into the celebration as a faint smile remained on his face.
(...She's adorable.)
His eyes lingered on the crowd for another moment before he quietly looked toward the countless people still waiting in line.
(I'd like to speak with her again someday... though I have a feeling that day won't come anytime soon.)
As the celebration continued beneath the endless night sky, Haruto welcomed one citizen after another with the same gentle smile, listening patiently to every greeting, every story, and every heartfelt word of gratitude until the joyful festival became a memory the Federation would remember for generations.
Far away, within the Kingdom of Dragons, the enormous egg resting upon the lonely cliff suddenly cracked.
Thin crimson fractures slowly spread across its dark shell as an ominous aura of crimson and black began pouring through the widening gaps, staining the surrounding air with an overwhelming sense of death.
Every blade of grass touched by that sinister aura withered into ash before fading into nothingness, while flowers, insects, and every trace of life nearby met the very same silent end.
The corruption continued to spread.
Slowly.
Relentlessly.
"Ahahaha..."
The Dragon Lord slowly spread both arms as an ecstatic smile stretched across his face, watching the forest behind him gradually lose every sign of life.
"At last..."
"The incarnation of Death has been born."