The morning sun shone weakly through the smoky haze that lingered over the city. Workers, mostly citizens with magical craftsmanship skills, toiled amidst the ruins of the old Imperial Palace. The sounds of enchanted hamrs striking stone and spells shaping materials into intricate designs filled the air.
Though they worked diligently, unease was palpable in their movents. The events of the previous night—the massacre and the mysterious earthquakes—were still fresh in their minds.
Aengus stood at the highest vantage point overlooking the construction site, his gaze cold and focused. Dressed in simple yet regal attire, he exuded an aura of authority that kept both workers and onlookers at bay. His hands were clasped behind his back as he observed every detail, ensuring that the reconstruction of the palace proceeded without flaw.
The new Imperial Palace was to symbolize a new era, an unyielding testant to the future Aengus envisioned. Its foundations were being laid atop the rubble of the old—a direct taphor for the destruction and rebirth of the empire.
They would be part of new Empire: United Liberation Empire, and Aengus would be the sole Sovereign.
---
While most of the citizens had no idea about the source of last night's earthquakes, whispers of speculation ran rampant. The workers cast nervous glances at one another, occasionally sneaking peeks at Aengus, whose calm deanor was both reassuring and intimidating.
So believed the earthquakes were a divine warning. Others whispered that Aengus himself was the cause, wielding powers beyond mortal comprehension. Either way, one thing was certain—the New Ruler was a force that none dared to defy.
---
Suddenly, Aengus raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A low hum resonated in the air as a spatial portal materialized before him, swirling with chaotic energy. The workers paused montarily, their curiosity outweighing their fear, and turned their eyes toward the phenonon.
From the portal erged seven figures: The Three Generals—Quin, Drake, and Yona—and Aria.
Their expressions were a mix of confusion and skepticism as they stepped onto the construction site.
"Welco to the Phoenix Empire, everyone. Oh, no, I should call it the Liberation Empire from now on, shouldn't I?" Bella said, suddenly appearing with a smug expression.
"Is this really the Phoenix Empire?" Aria asked curiously, her tone laced with doubt.
"Yes, it is," Aengus confird calmly.
"Your Majesty, does that an you've truly conquered the Phoenix Empire? But how?" General Felix asked in disbelief.
Was it really so easy to conquer an empire these days?
"With enough power, nothing is impossible, General," Aengus replied with a casual shrug.
Leon, Martin, and Felix exchanged glances, their expressions showing a shared understanding: their Emperor's power had grown to an unimaginable degree.
"Ah, that's incredible, Your Majesty. But you should have summoned for help—I would have loved to join you!" Quin exclaid excitedly, raising his fist in enthusiasm.
"Battle maniac..." Yona muttered under her breath. However, the awe in her eyes was unmistakable, much like the expressions of Drake and Aria.
"Brother-in-law, I don't even know what to say anymore. If this keeps up, do you even need us at this point?" Drake asked, half-joking but with a tinge of genuine concern.
"Yes," Aengus replied firmly, his gaze shifting aningfully toward Aria. "And very soon, the ti will co."
"Ethan, are you hurt?" Aria asked softly, her concern evident in her eyes.
"No, Aria," Aengus reassured her with a slight shake of his head.
"Oh, that's good. Will this be our new palace from now on?" Aria asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
Bella chid in with a confident smile, "Yes, Aria. Our husband is now an Emperor with over 200 million warriors, though we incurred a heavy loss last night."
"200 million! I can imagine the spectacle," Aria added with a smile. However, Bella's ntion of the losses piqued everyone's curiosity.
"What exactly happened last night, Bella?" Aria asked, voicing the question that was on everyone's mind.
Bella's expression turned more serious as she replied, "There was a dramatic twist last night. Perhaps it's better if you hear about it later—or maybe, not at all, Aria."
Aria frowned slightly, confused, and turned to Aengus for answers. She received only a ntal ssage from him: "I'll explain it to you later."
Understanding, Aria gave a curt nod. Changing the topic, she asked, "So, where is your mother, Sister Bella?"
"Oh, right!" Bella exclaid, her face lighting up. "I should let you all et my family. The Phoenix Empress is my grandmother, and Vira is my grandfather. Co, follow , and I'll introduce you to everyone."
As they began to walk, Leon spoke up in surprise, "Empress Consort, you're really the granddaughter of the Phoenix Empress? That's a revelation! I never knew she even had a granddaughter."
Bella chuckled softly at General Leon's astonishnt. "Well, now you know. There's much to my family's story that you might find surprising, General."
The group followed Bella, their curiosity growing as they prepared to et one of the most revered figures in the empire.
---
Inside a simple yet elegant house adorned with expensive jewels and intricate craftsmanship, the group entered a room where they would et the legendary figures—Phoenix Empress Claudia, Vira the Sky Dragon King, and Sky Phoenix Queen Chrystia.
Chrystia greeted them warmly, her radiant smile adding to her graceful aura. "Good to see you once again, Leon, Felix, Martin," she said, recognizing the group from past encounters.
Leon and the others bowed gracefully, their respect evident in their deanor. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Sky Phoenix Queen," Leon replied politely. "May we also have the honor of eting the Phoenix Empress?"
Before Chrystia could respond, a lodious yet commanding voice echoed from another room. "Oh, it seems our Son-in-law has brought guests."
Erging with an aura of tiless elegance was Claudia, the Phoenix Empress, accompanied by Vira, the Sky Dragon King. The stark contrast between the petite Claudia and the hulking, muscular Vira made for an unusual yet striking pair. Claudia's youthful appearance, like that of a little girl, caught Leon and the others off guard, their eyes gleaming with astonishnt.
But instanly after that the three generals recognised the little girl. She was the true Phoenix Empress.
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