Chapter 379: The Empire
For a moment, the entire Anzeta Wasteland fell silent. Neither those on the ground—human or monster—nor the gods in the sky made a sound, all eyes fixed on the crowned dragon.
Cassius's expression remained unchanged.
He felt the weight of the crown upon his head, sensing the countless gazes converging on him from all directions. He then delivered his imperial proclamation:
"I, Cassius Claudious Norrixius, hereby declare—"
"The founding of the Ember Empire."
Though his tone was not impassioned, it carried immense weight, and everyone present could feel its profound significance.
"Good. Very good…"
"You're even craftier than I expected. I thought you'd be an obedient child."
Tiamat's slit-pupiled eyes bore into the red dragon on the altar, radiating boundless anger and greed. Slowly, her immense wings spread across the sky, blotting out the light.
Cassius instantly felt a crushing power descend, the shadow covering the land. The pressure bore down like a mountain upon his shoulders.
But he was no longer the dragon he once was.
With all his strength, Cassius lifted his head under the immense pressure, his golden eyes locking with Tiamat's greedy gaze.
"You flatter me…"
"Your Majesty, Tiamat."
Through gritted teeth, Cassius forced the words from his throat.
At this moment, the atavistic red dragon appeared ferocious and terrifying.
His muscles bulged, veins popped, bony spines bristled along his back, jets of white steam hissed from his neck vents, and molten waves seemed to ripple across his scales.
In the next instant, the oppressive force dissipated.
Cassius exhaled deeply in relief.
When it came to Tiamat, he had little to fear.
If the Dragon Queen dared to strike a newly ascendant red dragon in such a public setting, it would alarm all chromatic dragons, causing them to despair and lose faith in her. A shrewd ruler like Tiamat wouldn't make such a costly mistake.
What Tiamat truly desired was to leverage Cassius's coronation to expand her influence and bolster her reputation without any actual investment.
However, her ploy had evidently failed.
As the oppressive force vanished, Tiamat's shadowy projection retracted its power. With an indifferent expression, she spoke: "Cassius, you must know the fate of those who oppose me… the rebels who defy their Queen."
"I trust you won't follow that path."
With those parting words, the five-headed dragon's form dissolved into the void.
Cassius merely inclined his head slightly toward where the Dragon Queen had vanished and courteously replied, "I will heed Your Majesty's teachings and take them to heart."
Turning his gaze skyward, he saw the platinum dragon's face twisted in a faintly mocking smile. "That was quite the show."
The enmity between these two dragon deities had festered for millennia, manifesting in countless ways, including the infamous and bloody "Dragonfall War."
Bahamut shifted his gaze to Cassius, his expression growing stern.
"Indeed, the scent of the Abyss lingers…"
"You have the potential to become a Dragon King. Do not stray from the path."
Leaving these words for Cassius alone to hear, the azure light shimmered once more as the platinum dragon's projection faded. The tumultuous sky returned to its tranquil, open expanse.
Tens of thousands of spectators remained silent, their eyes fixed on the newly crowned emperor atop the altar.
None dared to meddle in the conflicts of the gods.
"Dragon gods, huh…"
Cassius gazed at the clear blue sky, watching the platinum dragon's departure. His expression was calm, the golden crown on his head gleaming brilliantly.
He felt no admiration for these dragon gods. Whether good or evil, he would not follow them.
If he were to have faith in anything, it would only be in himself.
Just then, a long-absent interface appeared before him. Lines of text refreshed rapidly, and a golden trophy materialized.
[You have founded an empire of your own, earning the legendary achievement [Emperor].]
[Emperor]
"The sun never sets on the empire's lands."
—Aragorn I, Holy Fadlan Emperor
Your trait [Kingdom Domain] has advanced to [Empire Domain].
+5 Charisma
+18 Governance Proficiency
[Supreme Authority]: Within your empire, you hold unparalleled power, akin to a god. Your will can transform any region into a Dead Magic Zone, trigger magical surges, permanently alter climates, and reshape terrain.
[Imperial Sovereignty]: Within the empire, you are immune to all forms of control—physical, mental, or spiritual.
[Imperial Grace]: At minimal cost, you can bestow your power upon your subjects. Those receiving this grace will become physically, mentally, and spiritually loyal to you, enhancing your soul's strength.
"Roar—!"
Cassius raised his head and let out a triumphant roar, feeling the immense power surging through him.
Evening had arrived, and the sun was setting.
The red glow of the setting sun bathed the red dragon's scales, giving them a faint golden sheen. The crown atop his head shimmered with ethereal brilliance.
The gathered crowd gazed up at the altar. For reasons they couldn't explain, they instinctively felt that this red dragon had become even more noble and grand. Some trembled, prostrating themselves in awe.
If the red dragon had previously inspired awe as a superior being, he now evoked a sense of divinity—something akin to a god.
Such was the effect of [Empire Domain].
"This power…"
"Not even Tiamat's avatar could frighten me now."
Cassius reveled in the absolute control he now wielded, his lips curling into a smile of satisfaction.
"I had planned to grant my subjects some surprises with a bloodline blessing, but now… this new ability should suffice."
From his lofty perch, he surveyed the hushed crowd below, pondering.
This was, after all, part of his plan.
The red dragon unfurled his massive wings and flapped them, sending powerful gusts of wind across the field as he ascended to a height of a hundred meters.
The sun had nearly vanished, and night's curtain descended. The sky darkened, leaving a thin line of orange on the horizon.
Suddenly, gasps erupted from the crowd.
"Look! What's that?"
"Why is there light at this hour?"
"How is this possible?"
"That… that's… Oh, gods!"
Tens of thousands of people raised their heads in unison to see half the sky illuminated. The dark heavens had turned a radiant orange.
Day had returned.
A second sun had appeared in the sky.
—It was Cassius.