As the Emperor's light engulfed me, my system suddenly flickered.
A sharp error warning flashed before my eyes—then everything went black as it switched into protection mode.
The Emperor's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "So that's how you managed to enter the dream world," he murmured, studying me with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
The blinding radiance around us began to fade. The crushing pressure that had pinned me moments ago vanished, and I collapsed to my knees, gasping for breath. I looked up at my grandfather, now seated calmly atop the boulder, lowering himself until we were nearly at eye level.
"Tell me, little one," he said softly, "who gave you that toy?"
His voice was calm, but his golden gaze burned into me, stripping away every layer of pretense.
I forced myself to meet his eyes, trying to mask my panic. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.
The Emperor tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Never rely on power that comes from the outside," he said. "Understand?"
I hesitated, then asked cautiously, "You… know about my system?"
He nodded once. "That kind of toy can only be given by the Maker. Did you meet him?"
I frowned. "Are you talking about that arrogant guy who won't shut up about his wives—the one who keeps threatening people with a whip? That guy?"
The Emperor threw back his head and laughed—a deep, thunderous sound that shook the earth beneath us. "So you have met that bastard! I've crossed paths with him three times myself."
I blinked in disbelief. "You've met… the Being? Three times?"
He nodded again, his tone darkening. "Yes. Each time I was about to defeat Heaven itself, he appeared to stop me."
His voice carried a quiet fury—ancient, buried, but still burning. For the first time, I saw genuine hatred in those golden eyes.
I swallowed hard. "Why do you want to go to war with Heaven?"
The Emperor's expression softened. His gaze drifted upward, toward the night sky, as if he could see through it. When he spoke again, his tone was low, almost mournful.
"It is not us who wish for war, little one," he said. "It is they who have chosen to wage war upon us."
Confusion twisted in my chest. "Why? Why would Heaven go to war against you?"
He looked back at me, eyes glowing brighter. "There are three reasons."
He raised a single finger. "First—our family possesses the Book of Ten Gates."
A second finger. "Second—our universe was meant to be restarted long ago."
Then he paused, lowering his hand, and his voice dropped to a near whisper.
"And third…" He met my eyes directly. "The Beggar family was never meant to exist."
Curiosity gnawed at me. "I don't understand," I said. "Can you tell me more—in detail?"
The Emperor studied me for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed—a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to shake the air itself. His massive hand came down on my shoulder, heavy but not unkind.
"Don't worry about all of that," he said, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "Let's talk about you."
It was clear he wasn't going to answer. I sighed, then asked, "Are you going to take me with you?"
"Not right now," he said simply. "It wouldn't benefit your growth. You still have things to learn here."
He paused, his gaze sharpening slightly. "But be careful with that toy of yours—the system. It can bring you great blessings… or ruin. What it becomes depends entirely on what you do with it."
I frowned, thinking over his words. "Then what should I do?"
"Do what you believe is best," he said calmly. "And never regret your choices. Let the past stay behind you—and move forward."
His words lingered in my mind, heavy with meaning I didn't yet understand.
After a moment, I looked up at him again. "How do I become strong enough… to never feel helpless again?"
For a heartbeat, the Emperor was silent. Then he smiled—a small, almost wistful smile.
"I don't know," he said. "If you ever find the answer, tell me too."
I blinked, taken aback. "You're joking, right?"
He chuckled softly. "Tell me, little one—what is the true reason you want to become powerful?"
The question came out of nowhere. I didn't even have to think. "So I never feel helpless again," I said quickly.
But the Emperor quietly shook his head. "That is not your real reason."
Confused, I frowned. "Then what is my real reason?"
He gave a knowing smile. "How should I know? Ask yourself that question."
I stared at him. "I think you already know the answer," I said quietly. "Just tell me."
He looked at me gently, the golden glow of his eyes softening. "It's better that you discover it on your own," he said.
Before I could press further, he rose to his feet. His enormous shadow stretched across the clearing, swallowing the dim firelight.
"It's time for me to leave," he said. "I cannot remain away from my universe for long."
"Wait!" I blurted out. "Can you… bring my friend back?"
The Emperor's gaze flicked toward the pile of dust that had once been Karin. For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then he turned back to me.
"She looked directly at me with a soul too weak to bear my presence," he said calmly. "Her form disintegrated. But do not worry—she will return once I depart."
Relief flooded me, even if I didn't fully understand how.
As he began to fade, the air around him flaring with divine light, he looked over his shoulder one last time.
"My grandson," he said, his voice echoing with power, "be careful. The Heavenly Angels, the Gods, and the Demons—they are all our enemies. Do not trust them. Do not speak with them. And if you can…"
He paused, his golden eyes burning like suns.
"…kill them."
With that final command, the Emperor vanished in a pillar of light that tore through the forest sky, leaving only silence—and the faint, trembling glow of dying embers.