Chapter 10: The Web Beneath the Crown
The stars above the Milon Empire burned with a quiet fury that night, like ancient eyes watching from beyond the veil.
Suzan stood alone on a balcony of the palace training grounds, his expression unreadable. Below him, the city buzzed in preparation for the upcoming Tournament of Stars, where the strongest youths from all provinces would gather to compete.
But Suzan's gaze wasn't on the arena.
It was on the towering spires of the Imperial Palace, where the so-called Emperor resided.
His silver eyes narrowed.
"Something… is wrong with this world."
Earlier That Day – Archives of House Elvador
Suzan had wandered into a sealed chamber, deep beneath his family's estate. Rath, his father's loyal subordinate, had given him a key without a word.
The walls were lined with scrolls and enchanted tomes. Dust lingered in the air. Most of these records were forbidden to the public—chronicling the empire's true history.
What caught Suzan's eye was a black book bound in crimson threads.
Its title: "The Shadow Crown: Secrets of the Founding Bloodline."
As he flipped through, what he read chilled him.
"The First Emperor was not chosen by the heavens, but by death. He devoured his rivals—not with sword or spell—but with something darker…"
"A system of ancient origin. One that consumes soul, blood, and will. The Devourer's Mark."
Suzan's heart skipped.
Was that… the same system he had?
He kept reading.
"To maintain his grip on the world, the First Emperor erased all bloodlines tied to the Devourer's System… save for one."
"The Sword Demon Slayer, Kael Elvador, was the last known descendant of that cursed legacy. Banished from the court, feared by all… he vanished after defeating the Six Abyssal Generals alone."
"The current Emperor fears only one being—Kael Elvador."
Suzan closed the book slowly.
"So that's why he's never claimed me," Suzan muttered. "If the Emperor knew Kael had a son…"
Flashback – 15 Years Ago
Inside a quiet villa far from the capital, a young noblewoman cried silently as she cradled a newborn.
Kael Elvador stood in the shadows. Blood stained his shoulder.
"She'll come for the boy," he said. "The Empress… she won't allow this child to live."
The woman—Suzan's mother—nodded. "Then let them think I died giving birth."
Kael handed the infant to Rath.
"Take him. Disappear. Never let him know the truth. He must live free."
Rath bowed low. "And if someone comes?"
Kael's voice was cold.
"Kill them."
Present Day – Palace Tournament Grounds
Banners flew across the arena. Fireworks lit the sky. The Tournament of Stars was the largest public event in decades.
Every major noble house was present.
Even the Emperor himself had emerged from seclusion to watch.
From a golden throne, he observed the crowd with a gentle smile—but his eyes were like frozen daggers.
"Bring me information on that boy," he whispered to his advisor. "The one with the void aura."
"You mean Suzan Elvador?" the advisor asked.
The Emperor's smile widened.
"Elvador… I thought Kael had no heir."
Meanwhile – Beneath the Arena
Deep under the coliseum, a man chained to a dark altar awoke.
His body was gaunt. His eyes burned like dying stars.
Two robed figures knelt before him.
"It is time, Lord Veyren. The Tournament begins."
"The boy carries the mark," said one.
The prisoner smiled, though his teeth were broken.
"If the Devourer's Child has returned… then the Empire shall bleed again."
Suzan's Room – That Night
Suzan stood in front of a mirror, shirtless. On his chest, a strange black sigil glowed faintly.
Like a crown of teeth… wrapped in flame.
He had first noticed it after killing the beast in the mountains.
"System," he said, "what is this mark?"
A cold, mechanical voice responded.
[You carry the Legacy of the First Devourer.]
[You are the inheritor of a power feared by gods and kings alike.]
[Should the truth be known, all Empires will hunt you.]
Suzan laughed under his breath.
"Figures."
He glanced toward the window where the moonlight spilled in, casting shadows.
"Let them come."
Rath's Chamber – Moments Later
Rath knelt before a magic scroll that showed a live feed of the Emperor's hall.
He watched as the Emperor gave orders to secret agents known only as the Silent Thorn.
"They'll try to eliminate him before the final round," Rath said.
Kael's voice echoed through a crystal embedded in the scroll.
"Let them try. I've trained him in silence… now let them feel his storm."
Rath looked up, eyes fierce.
"Shall I reveal myself?"
"Not yet," Kael replied. "He must earn their fear himself."
Final Scene – The Emperor's Hidden Chamber
In the depths of the Imperial Palace, the Emperor entered a sealed vault.
There, floating in a crystal prison, was a second system core—twin to the one bound to Suzan.
The Emperor spoke to it like an old friend.
"Soon… you'll be mine again. And your traitor brother will die with that cursed boy."
Behind him, the shadows twisted into the form of Lord Veyren, unchained.
The Emperor nodded at him.
"Begin the testing. Let's see if the son of Kael is truly a threat."
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