Chapter 80 - 77 the talks
Emperor Alaric, noticing their expressions, let out a small sigh before clearing his throat. "We will do as the Seer has advised," he declared. "We will not move toward the Forbidden Land. However, we will reinforce the regions near it with defense fleets and deploy the 2nd Azure Fleet as a precaution. As for what fate has in store for us... we will leave it to fate and wait."
His words were met with acknowledgment from the others. Though some remained uncertain about the path they were taking, they knew it was the most prudent choice—if the Seer's vision was indeed correct. And if it wasn't? Well, they would deal with any regrets when the time came.
With that decision made, everyone received their individual orders and departed to prepare for the impending deployment. Such an operation required time and meticulous planning, but they were prepared for it. The work ahead was immense, yet it was a burden they willingly shouldered.
And just like that, the three regional powers each began making their moves. One sought to conquer the Forbidden Space region swiftly, another aimed to seize the opportunity to bring at least half of the galaxy under their control, while the third chose not to interfere—focusing instead on strengthening their defenses in preparation for whatever was to come.
While the Minotaur's remained oblivious to the fact that their secret deployment had not gone unnoticed—for now—their rivals were already making their own moves. One of them even posed a direct threat to their plans. However, that would soon change.
The Asura Empire would soon begin its large-scale deployment, moving covertly yet in the open for all to see. Though they had no intention of stepping into the Forbidden Space themselves—for their own safety—they saw no reason not to create a distraction for their two rival powers.
Emperor Alaric knew that the Minotaur would eventually detect the Genome Empire's movements. And yes, he was well aware of their plans, having placed spies in high-ranking positions within their ranks. Since the Minotaur's would inevitably take time to uncover the Genomes' actions, he thought, why not give them a little push?
And so, he deployed the 2nd Azure Fleet to the region, that was facing the forbidden space openly and strategically, ensuring that the Minotaur's would take notice along with genomes too.
That had been his intention from the very start. By making it clear that the Minotaur's knew the Asura Empire was aware of the Forbidden Zone, he ensured that the Central Genomes would also realize this fact.
In their effort to confirm the truth, they would inevitably investigate, uncovering the Genomes' covert movements sooner than expected. This, in turn, would spark the very conflict he had been anticipating.
As for the two rival powers considering a move against his empire? Heh. He didn't care.
A major event was about to unfold, and he knew neither power would dare make a reckless move in such uncertain times —especially when his emperor had no apparent interest in the Forbidden Space.
At least, that was how it would appear to others, and that was all that mattered to him. As long as the illusion held, they wouldn't feel provoked, and to ensure Asura's rivals remained preoccupied, they would refrain from advancing toward the empire.
But even if they did, he would remind them why the Asura Empire was their equal—both in strength and power.
And just like that, all three regional powers moved forward, each driven by their own intentions and ambitions, unaware of the uncertain future that awaited them.
But one thing was certain—it wouldn't end well for some.
As for what will happen next?
We shall soon find out.
Back on Earth, Kallus had returned home along with his mother, father, and sister. His family was overjoyed to have him back, but his parents quickly noticed something beneath the surface.
There was a hint of pain in his eyes—something he was trying to hide from them. And they knew, whatever it was, it was hurting him.
Choosing not to press him immediately, his parents decided to return home, bringing Kallus along. He was their son, and they needed to know what had happened to him. There were many things they had wanted to ask, but the park had not been the right place for such conversations.
Now, in the comfort of their home, it was time for those questions to be answered.
Kallus also noticed that his parents had sensed something was off—the way their gazes lingered on him, questions flickering in their eyes. He let out a deep sigh. Of course, they had noticed. How could they not? And he, too, was prepared to answer those lingering questions, knowing this wasn't something he could hide from them.
He sighed again, running a hand through his hair. There was no point in trying to hide it. And, truthfully, he wouldn't.
He had already decided—he would tell them everything. Whether their reaction would be good or bad, he didn't know. But he had no choice. It was up to them to judge.
It was their right to know the truth.
So, without hesitation, he agreed to go with them. They got into the car, and before long, they were on their way home. The car ride was mostly quiet, aside from the occasional sound of his sister's laughter as she continued playing with him, even in the car.
After about an hour, they arrived—a home he had missed for quite some time.
As I stepped out of the car, I looked at the house—or rather, the mansion—in front of me. Yes, a mansion. My family was quite wealthy, after all.
Ignoring that thought, I took a deep breath and stared at the familiar structure. Still the same as ever, I mused. From the outside, nothing had changed. It looked exactly as I remembered.
Walking inside, I took in the interior. It was mostly the same, though I could tell some parts had been refurbished. New paintings lined the hall—portraits, some of them of me… or rather, the me from this universe. Well, we are the same person, technically.
I sighed and made my way to the couch, sinking into it. My mother gently guided my sister upstairs, who was still holding Fenrir—the little, or rather not so little, wolf she believed to be just a dog. Fenrir curiously looked around the house, his blue eyes gleaming with interest.
Once my mother took them to my sister's room, my father sat across from me. The atmosphere in the room shifted, turning heavier—more serious.
A minute or two passed before my mother returned, sitting beside my father. They both looked at me, their expressions calm but expectant.
I sighed again, knowing this was coming. Forcing a small smile, I leaned forward slightly.
"Mother, Father," I said evenly, my voice steady, "I can see that you have questions in your minds. Please, feel free to ask them—calmly."
My mother and father exchanged glances at my words. After a brief pause, they both nodded.
My father was the first to speak, his voice calm yet firm.
"Son, where have you been all this time? It's been two months—two whole months—and no one could find you. It was as if you had disappeared into thin air."
His gaze locked onto mine, heavy with both concern and quiet authority an authority I was well accustomed to. He was my father, after all.
Though I possessed the Emperor's Radiance, a unique skill I had acquired long ago—one that prevented the authority of others from affecting me—in front of my father, it remained still, dormant.
There was no need for it.
There was more to this skill than just that, but for now, it was irrelevant.
My mother remained silent, but the way she clutched her hands together told me she was just as anxious for an answer.
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I exhaled slowly, preparing myself for what was to come. This… is going to be difficult.
"Before that, Father, let me tell you something far more important than where I've been," I said slowly.
At first, my voice was shaky and uncertain. But as I continued, it steadied gradually and became firm.
Both my parents tensed slightly. My father's brows furrowed as he waited for me to speak. My mother, on the other hand, leaned forward, with concern flashing in her eyes.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
"I… I am not your son, and yet, I am at the same time."
The words left my mouth, and for a moment, silence filled the room.
They were stunned—no, more than that. Shocked. Confused.
They hadn't expected me to say something so… absurd.
My father's eyes widened as he stared at me, trying to process my words. My mother's reaction was the same. Their expressions mirrored each other—disbelief, uncertainty, and an unspoken fear creeping into their gazes.
For a while, they remained frozen, as if waiting for me to say it was just a joke, a mistake. But I didn't.
My father's sharp gaze soon focused on me, and though he remained composed, I noticed his grip unconsciously tighten on the armrest. My mother, too, looked just as lost as he did.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke.
"What do you mean by that, Kallus?" His voice was calm, but this time, it was filled with confusion.
I took a deep breath. "It's… complicated. But I'll explain everything. Just… please listen."
Amelia's POV
Since I returned to the hall after settling Luna and Kallus' pet in her room, I noticed my husband and my son—who had been missing for months—talking calmly.
But just as I sat down, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
I expected this.
I let my husband take the lead, asking our son where he had been all this time. But then…
When I heard him say, "I am not your son, and yet, I am at the same time," I was taken by surprise.
Confusion consumed me.
Because as his mother, from the moment I saw him again at the park, I could feel it—he was my son. And yet, at the same time, something about him was undeniably different.
I didn't know how to explain it. But I felt it.
Call it a mother's intuition or whatever you will.
And for me, that was enough.
Which was why… his words confused me even more.