The Emperor Lands
The helicopter touched down on the rooftop of the Perfect City's central tower, its blades slicing the air like a whisper of authority. Light stepped out, his coat catching the breeze, and turned to his escort.
"Make sure there's red wine waiting for me," he said, voice smooth and cold. "And make sure it's good sir Thank you."
He descended the steps and entered a sleek, black Rolls Royce. Inside sat a man mid-forties, salt-and-pepper hair, average build, average face. A model citizen. A man who had fully adopted the system. To Light, he was nothing more than walking flesh. Soulless. Disposable.
Sacrifice a few sheep to reach the summit, Light thought. So be it. Make them useful.
He turned to the man. "So. Who is this Thomas Stone?"
The man cleared his throat. "Stone was found guilty of refusing the mark. He's been sentenced to death."
"Yes," Light said, eyes narrowing. "But who is he?"
The man looked puzzled. "He's… ordinary. No wife. No job. No children. He's a ghost. We have no record of him. After the first monster attack, the social security office was destroyed. We implemented the mark system to re-register everyone. Thomas never did."
Light's jaw tightened. Idiots, he thought. That was the Lord of Violence and his legion. Why destroy infrastructure? Why burn the archives? Fools.
He waved a hand dismissively. "It's Tuesday. The Gauntlet won't be held until tomorrow. I'll go to the estate and rest."
The man hesitated, his voice trembling. "Sir… we can't rest."
Light turned, irritation rising. "Why not?"
The man swallowed hard. "It's Edwin. He's still alive."
Light's patience snapped.
In one fluid motion, he reached across the cabin and grabbed the man's face. His fingers, charged with supernatural strength, crushed bone and flesh. The man gasped, choking on blood and broken teeth, making wet, gurgling sounds.
"Your service," Light said calmly, "is no longer needed."
He snapped the man's neck with one hand and shoved the body aside.
Then he leaned back, unbothered, and addressed the driver.
"Hurry up, sir. I need some wine."