[System Update: Major Arc Unlocked — "War of the Crown"]
Main Objective: Restore balance to the empire.
Sub Objectives: Protect Kaelion. Destroy Lucien's claim. Survive the court.
The Palace Gates — One Day Later
Selene and Kaelion returned under moonlight.
Their bond was whole. Their power synchronized. Their fate finally shared.
But what waited inside was chaos.
Nobles shouting. Guards bleeding. Servants crying.
And seated on the Emperor's throne—draped in black robes, smug and smirking—
Lucien.
The New Usurper
"You're alive," Lucien said casually. "How rude. I already declared national mourning."
Kaelion stepped forward, voice like steel. "You have no right—"
"Oh, but I do," Lucien smiled, lifting a scroll. "Signed by the Emperor himself before his sudden… disappearance."
[System Alert: Emergency Shift Detected. Lucien's Status: Imperial Claimant. Danger Level: MAXIMUM.]
Selene's heart froze.
Lucien had stolen the one piece of power they hadn't protected: the royal seal.
Public Declaration
Lucien stood.
"I challenge your engagement. I challenge your rule. And if the nobles agree…"
He snapped his fingers.
Dozens of nobles knelt before him.
"Then by law, Selene Virellia must choose," he said.
"Will she marry the false prince she once loved…
Or the man who now holds the empire in his palm?"
Kaelion turned to her.
Eyes unflinching. "Don't choose me for love."
Selene's voice was cold. "I'm not."
She stepped between them both—
And raised her voice to the empire:
"I choose the throne. And I will take it myself."
[System Notification: Next Quest — "Crown Her or Kill Her" begins.]