All eight planets of the empire were in mourning. Even though everyone knew the King’s death was inevitable, the news still caught them by surprise. The air was heavy with anxiety and sadness.
Elders from various powers and the eight supreme clans were restless.
"The King has finally died," said a powerful figure from the city.
"A storm is coming. Afterward, a new era will descend upon the entire empire," remarked another cultivator, with a glint of excitement in their eyes.
This was a divine opportunity. The empire was now like a headless dragon, which meant chaos, changes, and, for some, great chances for a rise to power.
Various clans and ancient sects were awakened by the news, all feeling the same frenzy. For three generations, they endured the King’s tyranny, choosing to remain silent, but now the tides had turned.
"Crown Prince Kakarotto will take the title of King!" The order left by the late King quickly spread throughout the empire.
Immediately, everyone’s attention was captured. Even after his death, the terrifying reputation of King Vulke remained. The fear he instilled still lingered in people’s hearts.
"Crown Prince Kakarotto?" Confusion spread.
"Who is Kakarotto?" Leaders of various factions wondered. They had never heard of this name before, nor did they know the King had named an heir.
"The Crown Prince’s coronation as the new King is official!" The news spread across the empire, surprising many. Only the eight giant clans, who had been allies of the old King, had been expecting this.
Even among the Primordial Elemental Spirit race, confusion reigned. This race didn’t have a traditional clan structure, as their members were naturally born from the elements of planets.
However, even the most powerful among them were dissatisfied. Some young, talented prospects could have been chosen, but instead, an unknown figure had become the heir. Still, no one dared to voice their frustration publicly.
The fear of Mermeon and the royal army, known for their unwavering loyalty to the King, prevented any public dissent. It was well known that they would do anything to ensure the late monarch’s last orders were fulfilled and that they would support the new King.
An official coronation ceremony was announced, requiring the presence of the empire’s most prominent members. This coronation was essential to stabilize the kingdom and secure the new monarch’s legitimacy.
The imperial city, once warm and vibrant, suddenly felt cold. The royal army was summoned and stationed at various positions around the city, restricting who could enter or leave. A tense atmosphere filled the streets, and everyone moved cautiously.
The strict surveillance made it clear that the army wouldn’t allow any interference during the coronation. This army, personally formed by King Vulke, was the most powerful force among the three empires. Even after his death, as long as Mermeon was present, the King’s orders would be upheld.
Soon, all the clans and sects made their way to the palace to meet the new King, lending legitimacy to the coronation.
"The ascension is now."
The sound of a gong echoed through the city, and excitement spread, especially within the imperial palace. During the ceremony, cultivators bowed in reverence.
The royal army lined up in two columns in front of the throne, leaving a central path for the new monarch.
"His Majesty is coming," a solemn voice announced.
The experts kneeling on the ground raised their heads, eager to see the new King.
Finally, three figures emerged from the imperial palace. Leading the way was Kakarotto, closely followed by Mermeon and Buman, who accompanied him like loyal shadows.
The crowd stared in shock. The new King looked more like a vagabond than a monarch. His clothes were sloppy, and his gait was unsteady, swinging his arms and head—he inspired no seriousness at all. He looked more like a bandit who had just left a tavern than the heir to an empire.
On top of that, he appeared absurdly weak, like a novice cultivator. The masters and powerful cultivators present were dumbfounded—the invincible King Vulke had left the throne to this scruffy-looking youth? It was hard to believe.
"Get up," Kakarotto said as he sat on the throne, looking completely uninterested. He glanced briefly at the crowd before showing he’d rather be anywhere else.
The experts finally stood up, exchanging looks. The atmosphere in the palace was thick with discomfort.
"I’m tired and hungry… let’s get this over with, does anyone have something to say?" the new King spoke lazily.
"Mermeon, is this really the order of the late King?" a powerful figure roared, exuding an oppressive aura.
"Yes," Mermeon replied concisely.
"We want to see the decree," the figure demanded seriously.
"What, you think I’m a fraud?" the young King retorted dryly.
The cultivator hesitated for a moment before looking at the leaders of the powerful clans, who gave him a firm nod in return.
"The coronation will have a lasting impact on the empire, so the royal bloodline needs to be clear," he said, gritting his teeth.
"Haha, seems like you want to take me off the throne," Kakarotto said, still smiling. "I’ll give you a chance…"
"I just want to be sure! But it looks like you’re hiding something!" the cultivator shot back.
Bruno sighed internally and then spoke seriously, "Everyone saw the King’s order, and the eight clans witnessed his words while he was still alive. No one here is a fool. You’re being manipulated, and if you insist, you’ll die. I won’t repeat myself: step back…"
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"You have no legitimacy!" the cultivator roared.
"Mermeon, kill him." Bruno spat out, giving up. Sometimes you just couldn’t save fools; he knew the man was being manipulated, and now there was no saving him.
*Slash*
The dry sound of a blade cutting through the air was followed by a shower of blood. Even the leaders of the eight supreme clans shuddered, let alone the others present.
Silence took over the room, accompanied by the stench of blood. The dead cultivator had the same cultivation level as Mermeon, but it was clear that, even though this new King looked like trash, his enforcer was still an invincible cultivator.
"So, anyone else got something to say?" the young King asked lazily, looking out at the crowd.
Everyone exchanged ironic smiles. No one dared to speak up at that moment. Any challenge to the new King would now have to be thought through carefully, especially with Mermeon lurking, blade in hand.
"We will obey His Majesty’s wishes," said the Wind Lord, bowing.
"We have no objections," added the other seven supreme clans in unison.
This sealed Kakarotto’s legitimacy as the new King. After all, these eight elders represented the eight races and the strongest clans in the empire. Now, everything was official.
"Very well," Kakarotto said, looking at the elders. "You promised the King you’d bring the beautiful women and daughters of your clans here. The King needs company. When are they coming?"
The crowd was left speechless. Everyone knew Kakarotto was an incorrigible libertine, but no one expected him to be so brazen. On his first day on the throne, instead of dealing with important matters, he was already talking about women and pleasure? A true licentious tyrant.
They looked at each other, bewildered. Indeed, the promise had been made, but this was clearly not the right time to bring it up.
"Your Majesty, we’ll bring them to the palace. Please, don’t worry," replied the Wind Lord, bowing again.
"Great, I’ll be waiting," the King said excitedly. "Well… screw the rest, all this is boring. Goodbye."
The cultivators were left speechless. They had never seen a King so ridiculous.
Kakarotto turned and left quickly, with Mermeon and Buman close behind. This should have been a day for the new King to mourn his predecessor’s death and speak of his great accomplishments. At the same time, he should have built morale and stabilized the situation.
That would have been the proper way to gain the people’s support and ensure they recognized his position and abilities.
But instead, the new King just killed someone and then ordered beautiful women to be brought for his entertainment.
***
Hours later, inside the palace.
"You want to return to civilian life?" Kakarotto asked, smiling as he looked at Mermeon.
The shadowy figure nodded. "Yes, please allow me to retire, Your Majesty."
Buman was alarmed by the weight of that statement. Mermeon’s presence had been crucial in ensuring Kakarotto’s successful rise to power. He was the only one capable of keeping the situation under control.
"Lord Mermeon, the empire is still in chaos. We can’t lose you now," Buman said, worried, as he saw that Kakarotto didn’t seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation. "His Majesty needs your protection and guidance."
"I’m old, with one foot in the grave. Please, Majesty, let me retire," Mermeon replied, staring at the King.
"I understand. Very well. Thank you for your loyalty," Kakarotto said with a sarcastic smile.
"Your Majesty, this is unthinkable!" Buman exclaimed in shock.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mermeon said, bowing and leaving without further delay.