Inside the aircraft, victory hung heavy in the air. Clan leaders sat together, voices overlapping, some laughing, some silent—relief and grief tangled in every breath.
"We lost hundreds of our people," Yin Xia said quietly, her gaze fixed on Tian Master and the others.
Rien looked at her calmly, then smiled faintly. "Everything has a cost," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Now you understand the value of this victory—and you will respect it."
Tian Master met Rien's eyes, a conflicted smile forming. "You're right," he said slowly, then his expression hardened. "But they had families too. What about them?"
Rien turned toward him, his voice soft, unshaken. "The Soul Organisation cultivators who followed Zhu had families as well. They died by your hands. Will you take responsibility for their families too?"
He paused, letting the silence weigh down the cabin.
"Or are you saying that your people's lives were worth more than theirs?"
Shuan Master nodded and stepped forward, sitting across from Rien. "Rien is right. Everything has a price—and we have already paid it. Now we must build a better empire. We must take care of the families who lost their loved ones and fulfill all their needs."
Rien gave him a small, calm smile. "And do not forget the families of the Soul Organisation cultivators," he said gently. "They are human too. They deserve the same right to live a dignified life."
Kuto leaned closer, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "So… the evil things they did," he asked, "they'll pay for them in hell, right?"
Rien opened his eyes and smiled softly. "Hell is not a place," he replied. "To not be loved by anyone—that is hell."
Silence followed, deep and thoughtful.
The aircraft landed at Xia Clan territory. Everything had been prepared for the declaration—Yin Xia's coronation as Empress of the Han-Huo Empire.
"That looks amazing," Kuto muttered, walking toward the Xia Clan Grand Court.
Rien followed, his gaze lifting as a massive metal sphere descended from the sky, wrapped in violent cosmic energy.
"What is that?!" someone gasped.
Rien looked up once—and the sphere split cleanly into two before it could even touch him. The halves crashed harmlessly to the ground.
"These academy students never learn to control their power," Rien said calmly, glancing at the broken metal.
Shuan Master waved his hand dismissively. "Don't waste time. Keep moving. It was just a metal ball."
Celebrations erupted as millions gathered.
Moments later, Rien and Kuto emerged from a chamber, dressed in blue and red robes, their presence commanding attention.
"Why are you wearing red and blue?" Lan Xia asked as she passed them.
Kuto grinned and struck a pose. "Red is my favorite color."
Rien clasped his hands behind his back, smiling faintly. "Blue is mine."
They walked toward the Xia Clan Grand Hall together.
Inside, joy filled the air—brilliant colors, laughter, and powerful figures from across empires exchanging words and wine.
Rien turned to Tian Master. "I'll go somewhere. I'll return before the coronation."
And in the next instant, he vanished.
He appeared at a funeral.
Families of the fallen gathered in silence, grief heavy in the air.
"That's good," Rien murmured to himself. "I arrived on time."
As he walked inside, eyes turned toward him. An old woman grabbed his wrist sharply.
"Hey, kid," she scolded gently. "You can't just walk around like that here."
Rien smiled and closed his eyes, sitting beside her, still holding her hand.
"I am Rien Kinohutsu—the one who existed before existence understood itself—and I thank you, not for your faith or obedience, but for your defiance, for struggling inside laws I once imagined, for bleeding in a reality I allowed to breathe, for proving that meaning can be born even when heaven is silent and fate is cruel"
A faint smiles appear in rien's face
"I did not return to save you, I returned because you became worthy of creation itself, and from this moment onward, existence will no longer test you—it will answer to you."
Rien opened his eyes and looked at the people staring at him.
"I'm Rien Kinohutsu," he said politely. "I was just passing by and thought I'd join. I know this is a difficult time. We cannot change what happened—but from now on, all of you are under my protection."
The old lady smiled and whispered, "You look very handsome in these clothes."
Rien chuckled softly. "Thank you."
He vanished.
Back at the Xia Clan, Rien appeared as Yin Xia stepped forward to receive her crown.
"It's been a while since I've seen a coronation," Rien said, taking a seat.
Yin Xia placed the crown upon her head and sat upon the throne.
"From this moment onward," she declared, her voice steady, "I rule the Han-Huo Empire. The safety of my people will be my highest priority. No one will be allowed to break our laws or bring harm to us. I will not do this alone—my sister Lan Xia, and my greatest supporters, Rien Kinohutsu and Kuto Haraki, stand with me."
Rien stood and bowed deeply. "It is an honor to serve you, My Empress."
The celebration began—music, food, laughter filling the hall.
Yin Xia leaned back slightly on her throne. "I will prove myself," she said softly but confidently. "To the Han-Huo Empire… and to the entire Alzera Universe."
Rien smiled. "Then you should complete the Divine Trials," he said. "You're already close to the Xu-Di rank."
Everyone turned toward him.
"Divine Trials?" Kuto asked.
"They are trials to become a god," Rien explained calmly. "By defeating the old one—you become the successor."
Lan Xia winked playfully. "I want to become a goddess."
Kuto laughed. "You already look like one."
As laughter filled the hall, Rien leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, a faint smile resting on his face.
As the music swelled and people filled the hall with laughter and dance, Yin Xia turned her gaze toward Rien.
"Hey, Rien," she said softly, a playful smile on her lips. "Let's dance."
Rien opened his eyes and looked at her, a faint surprise passing through his calm expression.
"Dance?" he repeated, a trace of shock in his voice—yet he stood up at once.
"Of course," he said gently, extending his hand. "If that is what you wish."
He took her hand and led her onto the floor, weaving through the crowd. As they began to dance, his movements were effortless—each step precise, calm, and perfectly balanced, as if the rhythm itself obeyed him.
"You're really good at this," Yin Xia said, matching his steps, noticing the serenity in his motion.
Rien smiled faintly and moved even more smoothly, as though the music had grown familiar in an instant.
"I've never danced before," he said quietly, still smiling.