Dimensional Descent

Emperor Fawkes looked toward Leonel deeply, but couldn't quite read anything on his face. This grandson of his used to be an open book, but after just ten years, he was already so closed off and guarded already. Such was the weight of existence.

"Nothing else to ask me?"

Leonel's lips curled. "There's not much to say. My gramps is a useless schmuck who can't even allow me the leisure of being a useless, second generation, nouveau riche, brat. I hope you feel ashamed."

Emperor Fawkes was speechless for a moment before he burst into a fit of laughter.

"Look at this guy, having the time of his life," Leonel shook his head. "At least give me some treasures."

"What treasures could you possibly need? The Emperor's Might Lineage is already with you, that's already the most valuable thing I can give you."

"If you're cheap just say so. Who're you trying to fool?"

"You're not going to con me out of my wealth, brat. If a man can't make his own way, what worth does he have."

"You know, that's not very progressive of you to say, and quite sexist."

"If you had your balls snipped, just say that."

Leonel didn't even know what to say to that. Wasn't this supposed to be a dignified Emperor? Now he was talking about his grandson's balls?

it was almost too easy for Leonel to forget, most because he didn't feel any of its pressure. He had no doubt that his grandfather was quite powerful, at the very least powerful enough to set out what he meant to

to the Dream Pavilion because it would help the old man in whatever endeavor he was trying to

and purpose. There was nothing that could shake his resolve, even that was his very own family. In fact, Leonel had no real certainty, but he was fairly certain that even getting married and having children was no more

meant his grandfather was an enemy or not, Leonel didn't really

of the world, and while he was at it...

might be dead, but he didn't believe for a moment that he was the only

they had done for the "greater good", how many sacrifices they had allowed, how many good

would just make it so that no one could

get what was coming to her. It might not be in a year, it might not even be

find that his grandfather was standing right before him,

realized that his grandfather was actually quite tall, an inch taller than even himself who was already 6'9", and yet

forehead before he could react

went entirely

himself standing in a bubble. Outside the bubble, there was nothing but a vast blackness, until there wasn't. One after another, more bubbles began to appear, each one

'What the hell happened?'

his body was great. Just by checking the energy levels of his cells, he could tell how long

This place was the selection. The event had begun already and he didn't even

looked down at himself and he was wearing the same clothing. His finger still had Anastasia on it, at least, which was the first sign of good news. But even so, just what had happened? What

'Hm?'