"Thank you for your answers. Now, do you have any final words or requests?"
Velix stayed silent, his eyes briefly fixed on the tip of the Zenith Holy Sword before shifting to Leon's handso face before him.
"Before you end my life, could you tell how you're still alive after ingesting the poison? And why didn't the Demon Emperor kill you? Satisfy my curiosity, please," Velix asked, his voice calm and gentle.
There was no trace of arrogance or pride on his face, only resignation.
Accepting that his death was inevitable, he had surrendered to fate. Surprisingly, there was no fear in him at all.
Perhaps this was what the old saying ant: "When a man surrenders to fate, the burden on his shoulders disappears."
Leon hadn't expected Velix to make such a request. However, he had promised to fulfill it, and he had no intention of going back on his word.
Taking a deep breath, Leon recalled the first ti he awoke from the long coma after being poisoned and began to explain, "At that mont…"
Afterward, Leon briefly shared his journey, highlighting the key monts, like Liliana's rescue of him and other significant events.
He also spoke of the relationship that had developed between him and Liliana, as well as their current status.
Naturally, he kept his voice low, ensuring only Velix could hear.
If not, Athena, the yandere waiting at the bottom of the throne stairs, might overhear, and that would be incredibly dangerous.
Velix listened intently, his back against the throne. With every word, his shock grew, especially when he learned that the Demon Emperor was a woman.
What was even more surprising was that the Demon Emperor shared a special relationship with Leon, the Sword Hero.
Had this truth not co directly from Leon's mouth, he would have dismissed it as nothing more than a lie.
"So that's it..." Velix sighed softly, relief evident on his handso face. "Does that an the Demon Emperor who appeared in the Desert of Chaos to confront humanity's army wasn't really the Demon Emperor, but you?"
Even though he already knew the answer, he still wanted to hear it directly from Leon.
"Yes, it was . I disguised myself as the Demon Emperor and led the demon army against humanity's forces. However, I didn't kill any of them. I understand their motivation—revenge for my supposed death at the hands of the Demon Emperor, which is the goal you instilled in them," Leon said coldly.
The soldiers in the Desert of Chaos had been manipulated by Velix, convinced they were avenging his death at the hands of the Demon Emperor, Liliana.
That's why, on the battlefield, Leon had deliberately held back his power, making sure not to harm any of them.
Velix remained silent for a mont before giving a small nod, as if silently acknowledging his mistake.
"One more thing," Velix said calmly. "Did Jim, Natasya, or Rain have any last words before you killed them?"
Leon paused for a mont, then answered with composure, "Rain and Natasya didn't say anything, but Jim spoke before he died."
Velix's calm deanor faltered, and his eyes flickered with surprise. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire
"What did he say?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Leon took a shallow breath before replying softly, "He said his greatest regret was not living up to your expectations. He hoped that in his next life, he could be your pri minister again and help you fulfill your ambition to rule the world."
Velix's body trembled at the words, and slowly, a tear ford in his eye, eventually sliding down his cheek.
"Hahaha! So that's it," Velix laughed loudly, nodding with satisfaction. "Jim was always like that. I didn't choose my confidant wrong."
Afterward, he relaxed his body and looked at Leon, tears still clearly visible on his cheeks.
"Thank you for fulfilling my request, Leon. I can finally rest easy. You may begin," Velix said with a sense of relief.
Leon withdrew the Holy Sword of Zenith from Velix's neck, then aid it straight at his left chest.
"Velix, do you feel any remorse for conspiring to kill ?" Leon asked calmly, locking eyes with him.
Velix chuckled softly and nodded slowly. "If you ask whether I have any regrets, the answer is yes. But I am a Holy Emperor, and every decision I make is mine to bear. So, I have no regrets."
Leon sensed the sincerity and resolve in his words, and a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Although I hate you, I must admit that you are a very capable emperor," Leon said with a hint of admiration before continuing, "Don't worry, the Holy Empire of Elysium will be safe in my hands. I will protect it from any enemies."
With that, Leon didn't linger. He slowly drove the tip of the Holy Sword Zenith straight into Velix's heart.
Velix's eyes widened in pain, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled in relief.
Looking at Leon, he spoke in a shaky voice, "Thank you for killing so gently. I know it sounds hypocritical, but I'm sorry."
With one last breath, he gazed up at the bright blue sky before finally losing consciousness.
...
"Velix, after my death, I hope you will take care of the Holy Empire of Elysium and lead it to new glory."
Lying on his back in bed, an elderly man with a frail appearance gazed tenderly at the handso teenager dressed in golden robes.
The teenager wept bitterly, shaking his head in denial. "No, you can't die, Father! You have to survive! You must stay alive!"
The old man offered a small smile and sighed deeply. "My condition no longer allows to survive, Velix. But I accept it, for I know my ti is near. So, I beg of you—protect the Holy Empire of Elysium from future demon attacks. Can you grant this wish?"
"Hiks! Hiks!" Velix sobbed, wanting to refuse but unable to.
Gripping the old man's left hand tightly, Velix clenched his teeth and answered in a trembling voice, "Don't worry, Father. I'll take over the Empire and beco the wisest Emperor, beloved by all."
"Good... I'm glad to hear that," the old man murmured weakly, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. "But I must tell you sothing, Velix. When you beco Emperor, many will support you, but there will also be those who despise you. You must be wise in dealing with your enemies, or your actions may co back to haunt you."
"Besides..." The old man coughed, causing Velix to panic and rush to call the palace doctor, only to be stopped quickly by his father.
"There's no need for that," he whispered before continuing, "Rember this, Velix: power is a double-edged sword. It can bring success, but it can also destroy you slowly. So, be wise in your choices."
The old man's heart grew weaker, and he knew this would likely be his final farewell to the son he loved most.
He gazed at Velix softly and whispered, "These are my final words to you. I leave everything in your hands... my son."
With that, the old man took his last breath, his eyes closing forever.
"Father!" Velix cried out desperately, his sobs growing louder.
No matter how hard he tried, the old man showed no sign of life, and Velix knew he had to rise above this.
Wiping away his tears, Velix gripped the old man's hand tightly and vowed, "Don't worry, Father... I swear I will bring glory to the Holy Empire of Elysium and make it the sole ruler of this world!"
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