Chaos Empire – Capital City Averlion
Standing before the mirror in his chamber, Aeth stared at his own reflection and thought…
Aeth:
"When I look at myself, it feels as if my body hasn't changed at all—almost as if this is still my original body. Jet-black hair, pale complexion, the same face, the same physique, the same height. Despite being utterly incompetent, the physical training he was forced into by his father in the past preserved this body's form. Otherwise, I can't believe someone so useless could possess such a build.
The only difference is my eyes—they are red here. In the other world, my eyes were dark brown. But red eyes carry a completely different aura." (smiles)
At that moment, General Fredrin's voice was heard from beyond the door.
Fredrin:
"My Emperor, as you commanded, all blacksmiths, craftsmen, and architects are present. The group you ordered to search for talented individuals is also ready."
Aeth:
"Enter, Fredrin."
Fredrin enters. Aeth sits at his desk, resting his chin on his right hand as he looks at Fredrin.
Aeth:
"Now give me a proper and thorough report, General Fredrin."
Fredrin delivers a more detailed report. Aeth listens silently. Suddenly, Aeth addresses him.
Aeth:
"What is the reason, Fredrin? Why do you present yourself as loyal? Or is your loyalty truly without end?"
Fredrin:
"With your permission, my Emperor. I have always been loyal to the imperial family and to my state."
Aeth:
"What changed?"
Fredrin:
"While our Emperor Aeth remained silent, the state fell into a dire condition. You know this better than anyone. I am loyal to the imperial family and would never rebel—but I am also loyal to my state. I would never raise my sword against my own people to accelerate its collapse. Now, I see that our Emperor is truly acting in a manner worthy of the Chaos Empire. However, for my loyalty to be complete, I wish to ask one question, if I may."
Aeth:
"Go ahead, Fredrin."
Fredrin:
"Why did our Emperor remain silent for so long, and why did you suddenly begin acting as if you were a completely different person? You executed the nobles because they slaughtered innocents and led the empire to ruin. Why did you not do this from the beginning? What changed you?"
Fredrin:
"I was your sword instructor. Even if you grow angry, I will say this—you never possessed the ability to kill a person. Especially not a dragon general."
Aeth:
"Fredrin, you are not the only one who thinks this way. Under normal circumstances, I would have executed you not just for voicing these thoughts, but even for implying them. But I was the one who asked the question.
The reason is both very simple and very complex. It depends on how you understand it."
Aeth:
"In this world, everyone possesses their own power and aura. I, however, had neither strength nor aura since my youth. It simply had to activate—and at last, it did. But the awakened aura is far from innocent. Its only good aspect is this: if necessary, it will kill even the world itself for the sake of its people and empire. Is that clear, Fredrin?"
Fredrin:
"Yes, my Emperor. I am grateful that you have dispelled the darkness in my mind."
Aeth:
"Then I trust your loyalty, Fredrin. Difficult paths lie ahead of us."
Fredrin:
"I would follow our Emperor even to the end of the world."
Aeth:
"The end is unnecessary. There are many rats within the palace. Clean them out first."
Fredrin:
"As you command, my Emperor."
Fredrin: (thinking)
Though he was a member of the imperial family since childhood, he possessed neither aura nor magic. Now, his power awakening in this way makes more sense. Everyone discovers their strength at a certain point, in a certain form. I wonder how our Emperor awakened his power after all this time and all these events.
Fredrin:
"My Emperor, may I ask one more question, if permitted?"
Aeth:
"Go ahead, Fred."
Fredrin:
"You know well that powers awaken during extreme moments. After so much time and so many events, what exactly happened that caused your aura to awaken?"
Aeth:
"Fred, have you ever seen hell? Do you know what kind of place it is?"
Fredrin:
"No, my Emperor."
Aeth:
""I've seen him. That's it."
Overwhelmed by confusion, Fredrin asked no further questions. At the very least, that final answer satisfied him completely. Aeth was familiar with the concepts of aura and magic in this world through the former emperor's memories. Yet one truth remained.
Aeth: (thinking)
I possess neither magical power nor an extraordinary aura. All my strength comes solely from my experiences in the other world. I don't know whether I can awaken power here as they claim, but I doubt there is anything in this world capable of exciting me enough to awaken such strength. As fantastical as this world is, I hold no expectations. Still, if my current state is considered a powerful aura to them—then let them believe it so.
Aeth stands and calls out to Fredrin.
Aeth:
"Let's go and see these craftsmen you mentioned. I want to know how skilled they truly are."
Kingdom of Kravendorn…
Gate Guard:
"Envoy Markus from the Temple has arrived."
Gerald (King of Kravendorn):
"Let him enter. We cannot keep waiting the envoy who brings news of our victory." (smiles cunningly)