A group of servants rushed across the walkways, preparing for the arrival of the main guests. Enchanted lanterns lit up one after another along the inner ring, illuminating the massive chamber in warm golden light.

A deep horn echoed suddenly.

Boooooom—

The sound resonated through the entire Sanctum, shaking the seating tiers and forcing everyone to straighten in their seats.

The Supremacy Games were about to begin.

But before the opening could proceed, the Dean of the Academy stepped onto the elevated platform. His robe fluttered even though there was no wind, and the eyes of every noble, guard, and elder focused on him.

He raised his hand and adjusted his monocle with a sweet smile on his face.

The chamber fell silent instantly.

And just as Amon prepared to speak...

A ripple of Essence swept through the Sanctum, like someone tapping on the fabric of reality. The crimson walls dimly brightened. The runic veins pulsed faster and deeper in colour.

Even the guards stiffened, hands tightening around their weapons.

Everyone turned instinctively toward the main entrance.

A figure walked in.

Clad in regal white robes devoid of any blemishes, his broad shoulders seemed to shoulder the weight of the world without the slightest flinch.

Every step he took caused the surroundings to brighten and fill the entire chamber with warmth, bringing peace to everyone's hearts and thoughts.

Yet they all knew this warmth could transform into the scorching heat that once burned down one third of the continent.

This was the man who carried the whole of humanity on his back, the one who held back the demonic forces of the West and the corrupted abominations of the Eastern Nightmare Desert.

The Strongest Human in the entire Triana Continent.

The Holy Sun.

The Divinity of the Sun.

The Great Emperor of the Great Solar Empire, and the star that burned the brightest among all.

Samuel au Morningstar!

Every single person inside the Sanctum stood up instantly, heads lowered in reverence and fear. Aside from Amon, none dared to look directly at his face.

Bright golden hair danced lightly in the air, matching his eternal sun-like eyes, as Emperor Samuel stepped inside the Sanctum all alone.

Everyone understood exactly what that gesture meant.

He alone was enough.

The man walked with unhurried steps as he made his way toward the highest platform, where a throne had already been carved for him.

As he took his seat, resting his chin on his palm, he cast his indifferent gaze over everyone, eventually stopping at Amon.

"Continue!"

With that, nobles finally heaved a sigh of relief and sat down while Amon gave a respectful bow to the Emperor, his sweet smile not leaving his face even once.

Amon then faced the audience composed entirely of the elite and important figures of the Empire and gave a small ceremonial speech, keeping it intentionally short.

Then, he also took his seat, which was just below the Emperor, the same platform where the High Dukes were seated. He gave each of them a polite nod in greeting.

There were only four High Dukes in the Empire, each maintaining one of the major aspects that kept the Empire running. Out of the four seats, three were already filled.

High Duke Roland Lannister, High Duke Cassius Andromdeus, and High Duke Tywin Barathorn.

The three pillars of the Empire who managed the internal matters, while the last seat was reserved for the current Military Marshal who technically wasn't a High Duke by title but whose authority and status were no different.

Below them was a smaller platform housing many of the important members of the Imperial Family.

Then, all eyes turned toward the center platform where a beautiful young woman had taken the stage.

She smiled sweetly at everyone and said, "Greetings, everyone. I'm Octavia, the host that you're all very familiar with. After all, I've been hosting this event for a while. Has everyone been well?"

With her energetic personality, the atmosphere finally relaxed and returned to its joyful nature as everyone tried to ignore the oppressive pressure the Emperor's presence naturally emitted.

They knew he wasn't unreasonable, but nobody could relax fully in his ferocious presence. Fortunately, he was a man of few words, so they could try to ignore him and enjoy themselves.

Years of experience told them he wouldn't mind.

"Now, let's welcome all the teams participating in the Supremacy Games!!"

...

When the announcement rang out, Aegon was talking to his friends inside a small room they had been assigned. They could remain here until it was their turn and also watch the matches.

He glanced at his team as they all smiled at him.

Rosa was looking as beautiful as ever in her lithe black armour that clung tightly to her body, protruding slightly at the joints. Carrying dual blades, her smile carried silent danger, ready to be unleashed on their enemies.

Their assassin was ready.

On the other hand, Cali wore a heavy silver armour, holding its helm in her hands. Her infamous Creeping Hunger Gauntlets were also ready to drink blood.

Their fighter was also ready.

Only Xavier seemed nervous, fidgeting in his place. The healer being nervous made Aegon shake his head helplessly.

"Buddy, why are you so worried?" Aegon asked.

"Will El arrive in time?" Xavier said. "If she doesn't, I'll be alone on the bottom lane."

"First of all, she'll be on time, so you can trust her for your safety," Aegon said. "And if she doesn't, me and Rosa will just handle those two lanes by ourselves and you can support Cali. Also..."

He handed over a storage ring to Xavier and added, "Here are some soaps."

Xavier paused, then all of his nervousness vanished in an instant, replaced by a mischievous smile.

Others might not understand why he became so happy just for soaps, but his friends did. After all, the soaps came from Aegon of all people so they were bound to be special.

As for what kind of soaps they were, Xavier had an idea, as he had accompanied Aegon during many experiments. That's why he became so happy.

"Let's blast their ass off!!" He laughed, confidence flooding his voice.

"Opa and Xiu went to escort El, so they'll definitely arrive in time," Aegon said, turning toward the entrance. "Till then, let's blast them off."

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