The Imperial Court stood under the new banners of reform. The golden dragon and silver fox, once symbols of noble houses, now flew side by side — a quiet testament to the blood and healing that forged this new beginning.
One by one, the traitors were tried.
Those who had plotted in shadows—who had sold their loyalty to the Zerg in exchange for power—were dragged into the light. An Li stood before the tribunal, her once-radiant poise replaced with cold resignation. It was revealed she had orchestrated assassinations, leaked military routes, and secretly harbored Zerg sympathizers within her own guard. Her trial was public, and her punishment — exile to a far-off penal colony — was met with quiet approval.
Others fell with her: nobles who had turned their backs on the people, military officers who had betrayed their ranks. Sheng Long oversaw each judgment with solemn care, not vengeance. Justice, not wrath, would shape the new Empire.
Except it would no longer be called the Empire.
For the first time in recorded history, citizens were given a voice.
The election was held on the first day of spring. Crowds gathered in city centers, faces lit with hope as they cast their digital votes. A new council was formed — made of representatives from every district, every rank, and every gender. The age of emperors was over.
But they still called him "Marshal," with affection and pride.
And though the people begged him to rule, Sheng Long declined.
"My duty was to defend this realm, not to sit on a throne of silence," he said to thunderous applause. "Let the future be built by the hands of all."
---
Xiao Lin, now back to his radiant self, sat in the royal garden reading an ancient journal beneath a blossoming tree.
It was his mother's.
He now knew everything: how she had escaped the dying planet with him hidden in a healer's satchel, how her bloodline descended from the Temple of the First Flame — a line of spiritual guardians who once maintained balance between beast and human soul. Her decision to hide him had saved his life, and her whispers in his dreams had brought him back from the edge more than once.
He placed a hand over his softly growing belly and smiled.
"Thank you," he whispered. "For giving me the strength to be me."
---
Later that week, Xiao Lin went in for a routine check-up.
"Everything looks good," the doctor said cheerfully, eyes fixed on the monitor. "Heart rate strong, mental energy stable, bond with the co-parent is high."
Xiao Lin smiled. "I feel... weirdly calm. Which is rare."
"Good," the doctor said, tapping a few keys. Then they paused.
"Wait..."
"What?" Xiao Lin blinked. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, not wrong, just... unexpected."
The monitor split the view, and two small, flickering forms came into focus. Two heartbeats. Two tiny, curled figures nestled together like a yin and yang.
Xiao Lin's jaw dropped.
"You're carrying twins," the doctor said, grinning. "Congratulations!"
Xiao Lin covered his mouth. "Oh stars... he's going to *faint.*"