Chapter 5: The Emperor's Gifts
The atmosphere in the grand hall remained electrified, the echoes of the ritual still lingering in the air. Aric and Leon stood side by side, but the attention of the crowd was now firmly fixed on Leon. The Holy Sword had chosen him, its light singling him out as the Empire's future hero, and the weight of that title pressed down upon the room like an unspoken decree.
Emperor Alaric's sharp eyes swept over the assembly, his expression both composed and calculating. The audience hushed as he rose from his throne, his imposing figure framed by the golden light streaming through the stained glass windows. The Emperor's ceremonial robes, adorned with intricate gold patterns and gemstones, shimmered under the light, reinforcing his aura of absolute authority. Beside him, the royal advisors stood solemnly, their expressions stoic and unreadable.
"Today," the Emperor began, his voice carrying across the vast hall, each word steeped in power and finality, "we have witnessed the will of the Holy Goddess. The Holy Sword has recognized Leon Valcrest as its chosen wielder. A man destined to carry the mantle of hero, just as the first hero did centuries ago."
Leon lowered his head humbly, though his emerald eyes shone with pride. The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing off the high ceilings. Nobles whispered to one another, their gazes filled with admiration — and, in some cases, envy. Aric remained still, his expression composed, a faint, indifferent smile playing at his lips. Leon could have his moment, bask in the light of the Holy Sword. It didn't matter to Aric. After all, what was destined to be his would come in due time.
The Emperor lifted a hand, his imposing presence commanding instant silence. His sharp eyes gleamed with a calculating light as he spoke, his voice deep and authoritative, echoing through the grand hall. "However, such talents should not go unrewarded," he declared, each word deliberate and weighty. "As a sign of my favor and recognition of your remarkable potential, both Leon and Aric shall be granted the opportunity to choose one item from the royal treasury — a privilege rarely bestowed upon even the most distinguished of nobles."
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The imperial treasury was a vault of legendary artifacts and enchanted items, each possessing extraordinary power and immense value. Weapons said to have been wielded by ancient heroes, enchanted tomes containing forbidden spells, and mystical relics capable of manipulating time and space. The mere mention of the treasury sent a ripple of excitement through the nobles, their eyes gleaming with envy and intrigue.
Leon's eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is a great honor."
Aric merely bowed, his face a mask of perfect composure. Inside, however, his mind whirred with possibilities. He had already known this was coming. In the original story, the Emperor had granted Leon a weapon to further solidify his position as the hero. But now, with his prior knowledge, Aric knew exactly what he wanted from the treasury. His fingers twitched slightly at his sides, a subtle but telling sign of his hidden anticipation.
"Prepare yourselves," the Emperor said, settling back onto his throne. "Tomorrow, you shall be escorted to the treasury to make your choice. Choose wisely, for the Empire's future may well depend on what you wield."
Leon beamed, excitement brimming in his expression. He turned to Aric, his eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm. "Aric, this is amazing! We're being given a chance to select a magical item!"
Aric forced a smile, his lips curving into a perfect, insincere grin. "Yes, quite the opportunity."
But while Leon's thoughts were undoubtedly swirling with visions of enchanted swords and legendary armor, Aric's mind was focused on a single artifact — a mystical pearl that could open a gateway to the Demon Realm at any time and any place.
The Pearl of Severance.
Aric had read about it in the novel. Originally a cursed object created by a demon sorcerer, it allowed the user to step between worlds — a perfect tool for those who sought power outside the Empire's reach. In the novel, the pearl had remained hidden, untouched and unnoticed. But now, Aric intended to claim it.
Because if the Holy Sword had rejected him, then he would seek power elsewhere. And what better place than the Demon Realm — a land brimming with dark magic, unclaimed power, and the key to his ultimate goal: achieving his ultimate goal.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, nobles discussing the implications of the ritual, some praising Leon as the chosen hero, others speculating about Aric's future. Aric's dark eyes flicked over the room, noting every whisper, every pointed stare. He had become a shadow to Leon's brilliance, and the crowd had already started to forget his presence.
But that was fine. Shadows were where he thrived.
Leon clapped Aric on the shoulder, his face alight with excitement. "I can't wait to see what you choose, Aric. I bet it'll be something incredible."
Aric's smile remained perfectly in place, his dark eyes gleaming with secret resolve. "Oh, it will be," he said softly. "You can count on that."
Tomorrow, the real game would begin.
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As the grand hall continued to empty, Aric found himself standing at the edge of the chamber, his gaze fixed on the towering statue of the first hero, a man immortalized in stone, sword raised high as if challenging the heavens themselves. The statue's eyes seemed to bore into Aric, as though silently questioning his resolve.
Aric's smile faded, his dark eyes narrowing. "The first hero, the chosen one…" he muttered under his breath. "All of them so blinded by fate that they can't see what lies beyond it."
His fists clenched. He couldn't care less about the Holy Sword or its judgment. It had chosen Leon — so what? It was just a weapon, and Leon was just a pawn in a game far greater than he could ever comprehend.
Aric turned away, the faint echo of Leon's cheers still ringing in his ears. A pawn, a hero, a chosen one. It didn't matter. Because tomorrow, he would step into the treasury. And there, he would seize the true key to his destiny.