After Roy obtained the other part of the Soul Weapon, he returned once again to the abandoned house. His heart was pounding with anticipation, holding both halves of the weapon tightly. It was finally time to merge them—but he knew it wouldn't be simple.
He sat in his usual spot and placed the two parts in front of him. His eyes gleamed with determination as he whispered,
"It's time to finally develop my Soul Weapon…"
Then he paused, hesitating for a moment. "But… how do I integrate these parts? System, guide me."
The system's voice echoed, cold and somewhat condescending:
[ The host must first increase their control over Aether Force. ]
Roy blinked in surprise. "Wait… I can actually develop my control over Aether Force?"
[ Yes. Aether Force control can be developed. ] The system's tone carried a hint of mockery—or at least, that's how Roy interpreted it.
"Alright… then how do I improve this control?" he asked, eager yet cautious.
[ There is more than one way—]
The system began explaining, but before it could continue, someone entered the room.
"Are you Roy?"
Roy looked up to see a man wearing shining armor. On the left side of his chest was a symbol resembling the sun, though wavier and more intricate. Roy recognized it immediately as the emblem of the Human Kingdom, though he didn't care much. What caught his attention was an unusual aura of strength surrounding the man—he couldn't quite measure it, but it felt dangerous.
"Yes… I am," Roy replied cautiously, keeping his guard up.
The man smiled faintly, his tone calm yet commanding. "You must come with me. The Emperor requests your presence."
Roy hesitated briefly, then said, "…Fine."
After all, he had no desire to make an enemy out of an entire kingdom—at least, not yet.
Roy followed the man, who led him to a massive palace. Its size was beyond imagination, a towering beast of stone and gold, reaching at least 180 meters tall. Every detail of the palace radiated power and authority.
"Do not be surprised by its scale," the man said. "This is the smallest expectation for an emperor of a great kingdom."
Roy's eyes widened as he tried to take in the colossal structure. Then he asked, "By the way… what's your name?"
The man straightened proudly and said, "Carlos… Carlos Balloon. I am the head of the Royal Guard."
Roy nodded slightly. Together, they entered the palace and made their way to the Royal Hall. Along the corridor, everyone they passed bowed slightly to Carlos, their respect evident. Finally, they arrived at the massive hall.
Roy stepped inside, his breath catching at the sight before him. The hall was immense, four towering columns supporting the roof, each at least 100 meters tall, and the hall's width stretched more than 40 meters. Every detail radiated opulence and authority.
Carlos bowed deeply before the Emperor. "I salute the Emperor," he said respectfully. Then he turned to Roy. "Bow, Roy."
Roy froze. Something inside him refused. Ever since the first human he had killed, something had changed. He could no longer bow to anyone without reason.
"I'm… sorry. I cannot bow," he said quietly, trying to keep his voice steady.
The Emperor regarded him calmly, an almost amused smile playing on his lips. "Do you understand who you are standing before?" he asked, his tone indifferent.
Roy met the Emperor's gaze. Before him stood a man of extraordinary beauty—blonde hair, emerald-green eyes, a flawless, taut face without a single wrinkle, and slightly red lips. If Roy hadn't known he was a man, he might have thought he was a woman at first glance.
"I understand… but I still cannot bow," Roy said softly, unsure why he felt such resistance inside him.
The Emperor sighed and released a faintly deadly aura, pressing down on Roy like a crushing weight. The air felt heavy, and Roy's legs trembled under the force. He wanted to kneel, to bow… but something deep within him shouted: No matter what, even if your knees break, even if you die, you will not bow.
Roy planted his feet firmly on the ground. Pain shot through his knees, threatening to collapse him, but he stood unwavering. The Emperor watched with mild surprise. " Interesting… even with this weak cultivation, he remains standing "
Finally, the Emperor spoke again,and stopped his aura, his tone calm and measured:
"I have an offer for you. You may live in my kingdom as you wish, and I will allow you to enter the private academy of the kingdom."
Roy considered this carefully, then replied, "…That sounds good."
Though he didn't fully understand how it would help immediately, he knew he needed guidance to increase his control over Aether Force and merge his Soul Weapon.
" And what is the cost? " Roy asked cautiously.
The Emperor smiled faintly. " All I ask is that you remember this favor "
" Alright " Roy agreed, even though he did not fully understand the meaning.
" You may leave now " The Emperor waved lazily, as though dismissing a trivial matter.
Roy stepped out of the hall. On his way, he met Kate.
" Hi, Roy " she said, her cheeks tinged with a blush.
" How are you, Kate? " Roy replied with a warm smile. He didn't notice immediately how red her cheeks had become. "Thank you, Kate… for helping me "
" I owe you a debt. You stood up to Marcus for me " she said, her eyes full of gratitude.
" I asked my father to let you enter the Academy too " she added, her voice filled with hope.
"Thanks again, Kate… then, when will I start attending the academy?" Roy asked eagerly.
" Tomorrow, if you're ready " Kate answered, smiling.
" Alright, I'll be there " Roy said with a confident nod.
" By the way, my father has prepared new accommodation for you " Kate said, pointing to a modest house nearby.
Roy smirked. " It seems the Emperor appreciates you "
Kate's cheeks flushed even more. She turned away and walked with steady steps. Roy scratched his head, perplexed but unconcerned.
Roy arrived at his new house. A guard stood at the door, handed him a key, and departed without a word. Roy entered the house, walked to one of the rooms, and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
Just as he was about to drift off, the system's voice echoed once more:
[ A new mission has been issued: Kill a second-level (Intermediate) monster and absorb its Life Essence.
Reward: Minor Realm Increase. ]
Roy's eyes widened in surprise, then a grin spread across his face. "Looks like I'm going to get stronger again…" he murmured. Excitement coursed through him as he imagined the power that awaited him, and the completion of his Soul Weapon.
This was only the beginning of a new chapter in Roy's life—one filled with challenges, power, and transformation. His world was no longer merely a place to survive; it was a battleground, a proving ground, and a path to ascend to unimaginable heights…
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Guys, If u find any mistakes, or something Unrealistic or incomprehensible, please, let me know, thank you for reading, enjoy.