The Sky Dragon Ship soared through the heavens.
Below, endless mountains and rivers stretched across the Noctis Eternal Empire.
Inside the command hall, silence prevailed.
Lucien stood before the window, his hands clasped behind his back.
The Destiny Ledger hovered before him.
It was unlike the System's usual blue panels.
This one resembled an ancient black book, its pages bound by chains of golden light.
As Lucien opened it, countless names appeared.
Some glowed brightly.
Others were dim.
At the very top...
Only three names were recorded.
Heaven's Chosen
Lin Tian — Heroic Fate: SSS | Luck: 95,000
Destiny Divergence: 12%
Heavenly Heroine
Sylvia Evermoon
Current Affection: 18%
Destiny Divergence: 9%
Host
Lucien Draven Noctis
Villain Value: 2,500
Heaven's Hostility: 1 Star
Lucien frowned.
"Only one Hero?"
"No..."
"The others simply haven't awakened yet."
Closing the Ledger, he looked toward the horizon.
The real game had only begun.
At the heart of the empire stood the Eternal Imperial City.
Its walls towered thousands of meters into the sky.
Ancient formations surrounded the city like invisible stars.
Nine black dragons circled the Imperial Palace.
Millions of cultivators called it the center of the world.
As the Sky Dragon Ship descended, bells rang throughout the capital.
Dong!
Dong!
Dong!
"The Crown Prince has returned!"
Citizens knelt along the streets.
Imperial Guards saluted.
Ministers hurried toward the palace.
Everyone had already heard the news.
The Crown Prince had become the Heir of the Forgotten Sovereign.
The grand hall was filled with the empire's most powerful figures.
Great Marshals.
Prime Ministers.
Clan Patriarchs.
Saint Realm Generals.
The atmosphere was solemn.
At the end of the hall...
Upon a throne carved from black jade sat a man whose mere presence made space tremble.
The Emperor of the Noctis Eternal Empire.
Emperor Adrian Draven Noctis.
He wore no crown.
No extravagant robes.
Only a simple black imperial robe.
Yet no one dared meet his gaze for long.
The strongest ruler of the Nine Supreme Empires.
Lucien entered the hall.
Without hesitation, he bowed respectfully.
"Your son greets Father."
The Emperor looked at him for several seconds.
Then...
A faint smile appeared.
"You've grown."
Every minister widened their eyes.
The Emperor...
Had smiled.
A burly man stepped forward.
He wore crimson armor covered in countless battle scars.
Grand Marshal Kael Varos.
"Congratulations, Your Highness."
"The army is honored."
Lucien nodded.
"My thanks."
Then another voice interrupted.
Prime Minister Cedric Alton stepped forward.
His sharp eyes reflected calculation.
"Your Majesty."
"The Crown Prince's achievements are indeed extraordinary."
"However..."
He paused.
"A Divine King's inheritance is a matter concerning the entire empire."
"I request that His Highness submit the Sovereign's Seal to the Imperial Treasury for safekeeping."
The hall instantly became silent.
Everyone understood.
This was a test.
Would the Crown Prince surrender the inheritance?
Or refuse the request?
Before Lucien could answer—
The Emperor spoke calmly.
"Cedric."
"Explain your reasoning."
The Prime Minister bowed.
"If the inheritance remains in one person's possession..."
"It may attract enemies."
"If entrusted to the Empire..."
"It benefits everyone."
Several ministers nodded in agreement.
Lucien smiled.
Finally.
The political game had begun.
He took one step forward.
"Prime Minister."
"I have one question."
Cedric nodded.
"Please."
Lucien's crimson eyes met his.
"If tomorrow..."
"The Imperial Seal of the Noctis Empire were threatened..."
"Would Your Majesty hand it to another empire..."
"'For everyone's benefit'?"
Cedric froze.
Lucien continued.
"No?"
"Then why should I surrender an inheritance I earned with my own ability?"
The Prime Minister opened his mouth—
But no words came.
The logic was flawless.
The Emperor's smile deepened.
A few ministers struggled to hide theirs.
Even Grand Marshal Varos chuckled.
Lucien wasn't refusing out of greed.
He was defending the principle that merit deserved ownership.
The Emperor finally spoke.
"The Sovereign's inheritance belongs to Lucien."
"No one shall mention this matter again."
His words carried absolute authority.
No one objected.
Cedric lowered his head.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
But behind lowered eyes...
A flicker of cold calculation remained.
Lucien noticed it.
He said nothing.
Not every enemy wore armor.
Some wore official robes.
And sometimes...
Those enemies were the most dangerous of all.