The Martial Unity

Shortly after, he spotted the eager figure of Prince Raul, who was soon followed by Princess Raemina, Prince Raijun, Princess Ranea, Prince Rajak, and Princess Rafia throughout the long line.

They alternatingly split into two lines on either side of the ostentatious carpet leading to the throne.

The time had come.

"Please welcome the Emperor of Harmony, the Second Emperor of the Kandrian Empire, His Majesty Rael Di Kandria!"

A powerful drum beat reverberated through the throne hall with each step.

STEP

STEP

STEP

Rui's eyes widened as he beheld the vaunted Emperor of Kandria.

…Now, a weary old man with a diseased body.

His skin was a shade of sickly darkness, hanging off his gaunt face. His body was lean and haggard; his thin, weak limbs conveyed an impression of malnourishment. His hair, once a brilliant golden, had lost its luster. His eyes, once an ethereal blue, had lost their shine.

Yet they never once lost the light of determination.

His gait was unstable even as two of his concubines held his hands, aiding him as he exerted himself to reach the throne.

Nearly twenty-five Martial Masters followed behind him, absolutely alert for any threat whatsoever.

Not that there were any threats.

Not with a Martial Sage overseeing security.

STEP

With each passing step, each guest bowed their head deeply as the Royal Emperor passed them, paying their respects to the Emperor of Kandria.

STEP…

had arrived at his rightful throne atop the elevated platoon, beholding it for what

"Ahh…"

sat upon his throne. His security detail circled around the throne, forming a layer that encompassed him, his concubines,

command escaped

"Raise your heads."

and rich masculine voice cut through the silence as each of the guests

authority seemed to radiate from him. This was power, not innately of his own but that

him, he saw the hundreds

the might of a million-strong army of elite soldiers armed with the finest artifacts and potions

bore witness to the power of

Sage-level nations with a single command, to hunt Martial Sages like they were

their nervousness as the

The silence lingered.

It was deafening.

good to be

A nonchalant remark.

may as well have been law, considering who

His voice reverberated through the throne hall. "It is good to be back, wouldn't you

The air grew electric.

It prickled.

and his own children

"You seem nervous."

They undoubtedly were.

most accomplished Martial Masters of the Martial Union, a heavy weight weighed down on their weary

"Do I inspire fear?"

did now, with the way he

gripping the hearts of the many guests that

sickly visage inspire

voice grew stronger as it

my impending death inspire

the invited guests stirred

"It should."

His words grew ominous.

it doesn't," The Emperor calmly declared. "What it inspires,

eyes as his nonchalance

through