The mont I heard that voice call out to , an overwhelming urge to slash at the person who dared speak my na consud . That disgusting mouth of his, spewing fake love and concern—it made my skin crawl. I didn't need to hear him.
I turned toward the voice, my eyes locking onto a man sitting in the very corner of a cell. His face was partially obscured by an unkempt beard and tangled hair, a shadow of the person I once knew. I hadn't seen this beast in years, and now, seeing him like this—a broken, pitiful ss—I savored the sight.
"Father," I said coldly, my voice devoid of any warmth. Slowly, I walked toward the cell and wrapped my fingers around the cold, rusted tal bars. My gaze t his, unflinching and sharp as a blade.
"My precious daughter, you…" his weak voice trembled. "You, what are you doing here? What happened to you? Why do you look like that?" There was sothing foreign in his tone—concern?
A spark of rage ignited in my chest, growing into a roaring fla. I had been so careful, controlling my emotions, reigning in my anger—but this man, this family, always knew how to drag it all out of .
"Why do you suddenly care?" I hissed, venom dripping from every word. "I'm already amazed you even recognized ."
His eyes t mine, and for a fleeting mont, I saw what looked like genuine concern. But there was no fear—none. That only fueled my fury further.
"I've always cared about you, my daughter—"
I cut him off with a sharp, bitter laugh. "You? Care about ? Out of all people, you?" I shook my head, a hollow laugh escaping my lips. "This is hilarious. I thought—just for a mont—that maybe it was okay for to save you. What a joke."
I dimd the golden flas that surrounded and stepped back from the cell.
"Rot in hell, old man. You don't deserve to be saved. Save yourself if you can."
"Gaon! Wait!" For the first ti in forever, he called out my na—not with anger, but with desperation. Yet, I didn't stop. His pleas fell on deaf ears as I turned away, my heart heavy, my mind a swirling storm.
I entered another chamber, this one much larger than the last. My father's weak calls echoed faintly in the distance, but I forced myself to block them out. I couldn't let myself falter.
This room was different—ominous and grim. Several monstrous creatures stood in the center, their grotesque forms illuminated by flickering torchlight. They were torturing humans, though no screams ca from their victims. The people tied to massive poles, their arms and legs bound tightly, were hollow shells—souls long since broken.
The chamber was brightly lit, making it easy for everyone to see the mont I stepped in. Instantly, a massive uproar churned through the room.
"Saved!"
"WE'RE SAVED!"
The people caged within scread like madn, their voices echoing through the cavern. None of them wore clothes, their emaciated bodies a grotesque display of what this place had reduced them to—livestock. A human zoo.
At the far end of the chamber sat a massive stone throne, and on it lounged a towering beast, at least three ters tall. It appeared to be enjoying the chaos around it, but the mont its eyes locked onto mine, its composure cracked. Fear radiated from it as it sensed my aura, though I could still see a spark of rebellion lingering in its gaze.
Inspect!
[High Human]
[Level 102]
[Mythical-Grade Monster]
A "High Human," huh?
I raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. The na sounded impressive, but looking at this thing, it was almost laughable. To call these creatures "high" was a stretch.
Let's see just how high they really are.
With a guttural growl from their leader, the other monsters sprang into action. At least fifty of them charged at from all sides, their snarls echoing through the chamber.
I didn't even flinch. With a snap of my fingers, my Sovereign's Domain enveloped them. The entire room shifted into darkness, trapping them within my world. It only took a few swift slashes to deal with every single one of them.
[Congratulations!]
[You have reached Level 62!]
[You have reached Level 63!]
The system's notifications rang in my ears. Another level-up. Every day, I was growing stronger. All I needed now was to kill another king to ascend even further.
"So pathetic," I said, a mocking grin spreading across my face. I turned my gaze to the leader still seated on his throne. "Co here and bow before your empress, or do you want to die like the rest of them?"
My voice was cold and commanding as I stared him down. Yet, despite the fear etched across his grotesque features, he didn't move. His rebellious spirit burned faintly in his eyes, though I knew it wouldn't last long.
"Is that?" Suddenly, a familiar voice struck my ears like a bolt of lightning.
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"No, this can't be my older sister. She…" The voice made freeze.
"Nuri?" I whispered, my voice trembling as I turned toward the massive cage.
There he stood—a young man, barely in his twenties. It had been years since I last saw that face, one that had once been so familiar to .
"It is you!" he exclaid with enthusiasm. But in the next instant, his eyes widened with terror. "Watch out!" he scread.
There was no need for concern.
A massive sword ca crashing down, aiming for my back. Without even turning, I extended my hand, gripping the blade mid-swing. The force of the strike dissipated as though it were nothing. The beast holding the weapon pulled desperately, trying to free it from my grasp, but how could it match my power?
I wonder how many levels I'll gain from this one.
My grip tightened, the blade cracking under the pressure before shattering completely. The monster stumbled back, falling onto its backside, tears welling in its wide eyes.
"What's wrong? Are you afraid? Oh… poor boy…" I mocked, stepping closer. Reaching out, I gently lifted its trembling chin, caressing it like one might console a frightened child. The beast's fear seed to fade, replaced by a misplaced hope. Perhaps it believed I would spare it.
In the next mont, its head exploded into a mist of blood.
[Congratulations!]
[You have reached Level 68!]
"Five levels?" I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips. "Not bad at all." My heart raced with excitent.
"I don't need trash like you as a subordinate," I muttered coldly, stepping over its lifeless body.
The humans in the room scread, their terror palpable. But amidst the chaos, one person's gaze remained unchanged. Nuri's eyes—filled with admiration, the sa look he'd given all those years ago when I dominated the player-versus-player rankings. Back then, he was just a teenager, cheering on during my impossible victories. And now, even after everything, that sa look of unwavering faith pierced through .
"Big sis…" he said softly, his voice gentle and full of longing. "I've missed you…"
Those words hit like a dagger. Once upon a ti, they would have brought joy. Nuri had been more than just my brother; he'd been my best friend. But now, hearing them only filled with conflict.
"I'm only here because of the others," I said, avoiding his gaze. The words felt hollow, a weak attempt to mask my emotions.
With a few swift slashes, I broke the cages, freeing the humans trapped inside. My beasts moved efficiently, gathering the survivors.
"I am Lee Gaon, Empress of the Empire of Undying Fla," I announced, my voice echoing through the chamber. "I've co to rescue my people. Those who wish to join us are welco. Swear your loyalty to , and my empire will aid in your recovery. Together, we will rebuild your lives."
My tone carried both gentleness and authority, and the words seed to cut through their despair.
Many of the prisoners, though broken and weak, dropped to their knees. The echoes of their chants filled the chamber.
"Empress!"
"Thank you!"
"Glory to the Empress!"
The scene would have been almost heartwarming if it weren't for the weight pressing on my chest. My beasts worked swiftly, collecting the captives. Soon, only one person remained in his cage—my father, left behind at my command.
"Sister, just what happened to you?" Nuri asked, his voice filled with curiosity and worry as he stepped closer. He'd hastily clothed himself with scraps of fabric from the dead monsters. "Your hair… it's completely white now. You look like a snow princess. And your eyes… your horns! Are those real? Can I touch your wings?"
He sounded so much like the boy I used to know, the one who would pester with questions and follow everywhere. But sothing in his casual tone stung. I wanted him to apologize first, to show even the smallest hint of remorse for abandoning . Yet he stood there, acting like nothing had happened.
"I've changed," I said curtly, turning away.
"Sister, wait!" he called, running after . His voice trembled, as if unsure of what he wanted to say.
When I reached my father's cage, he was already watching , his expression as sour as ever. His eyes darted between and Nuri, and I could see the displeasure etched on his face.
"Of course..." I muttered. "Still selfish, still ungrateful..."
I gripped the cold tal bars, staring into his hollow eyes.
"Choose, Father," I said, my voice icy. "Die here, and Nuri lives… or kill him, and you can walk free."
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