Chapter 123: Chapter 117: Threat
Guys, I’ve tried something new with this Chapter as you’ll notice by the writing style, so tell me what you think.
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Dean scoffed and said, "Truth? Well, guess what. Whatever I say is the truth. Why? Because I said so. Here’s another truth for you."
Diana barely managed to stammer, "Wha—"
Before she could finish, Dean’s voice cut through the air, chilling and absolute. "Domain Expansion: Kaleidoscopic Reality."
The same horrifying thought ran through all their minds: How had he mastered Domain?
The space around them fractured, then bent in unnatural ways. Gravity shifted unpredictably, and the Four Emperors found themselves trapped in a disorienting labyrinth. Each step they took only twisted the gravity further, rendering their movements futile. They attempted to shatter the space with brute force, but mana itself seemed to have abandoned them. In this warped domain, Dean was the sole ruler.
Dean toyed with them at first, watching as they stumbled and faltered, their once-commanding presence reduced to helpless flailing. Then, with a wave of his hand, he ceased the shifting chaos. The gravity stabilized, but his Domain remained active, a silent reminder of his control.
Bjorn’s voice broke the uneasy silence, trembling with barely contained rage. "Dean, do you want a civil war?"
Dean chuckled darkly. "Try me. If you want war, I’ll welcome it." His eyes bore into theirs, unyielding and merciless. "After my father disappeared, your parents—the previous Emperors—supported my ascension as Supreme Commander. Do you know why?"
The Four Emperors exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.
Dean continued, his tone sharp and biting. "It wasn’t because I was talented, though that played a part. No, it was because I’m just like my father. People remember him as a saint who saved humanity, but they forget what he really was. My father was no saint. He built the Federation on the blood and bones of his enemies—humans included."
His voice grew colder, each word heavy with intent. "So trust me when I say I don’t mind war. But you should also know this: there will only be one outcome. I will annihilate you and your families thoroughly. The Federation might face temporary setbacks, but in the long run, it will be stronger for it."
The suffocating weight of his killing intent filled the space, leaving no doubt about his resolve. At this moment, he wasn’t their friend, Dean. He was the Supreme Commander of the Earth Federation, and he would not tolerate insubordination.
"Let this be clear," Dean said, his voice sharp as a blade. "Never question me about my family—or anything else for that matter. Am I clear?"
The Four Emperors hesitated before answering, their voices subdued. "...Yes."
Dean’s eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
"Yes, Sir," they corrected in unison, their defiance replaced by reluctant submission.
Dean waved a hand dismissively. "Now get lost. I need some peace."
Without giving them a chance to respond, he opened portals beneath their feet, sending them back to their respective palaces. As soon as they disappeared, he canceled his Domain and sighed heavily. The silence of the early morning pressed against him, broken only by the faint rustle of wind.
"Hopefully, they won’t do something stupid," he muttered to himself. "Otherwise..."
The thought lingered, unspoken but ominous. He wasn’t taking any chances when it came to the boys. They were too important. Worth any sacrifice, no matter how harsh or bloody.
Glancing at the clock, Dean noticed it was nearing four a.m. He decided to take a walk, hoping the cold morning air would clear his head. As he strolled through the quiet halls and into the open grounds, he let the weight of his responsibilities settle.
The sound of footsteps behind him interrupted his thoughts. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
"Zeke," Dean said, his tone neutral. "What are you doing up at this hour?"
Zeke approached, his expression a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. "I was sleeping quite happily, actually. But it’s hard to stay asleep when reality itself starts bending."
Dean coughed and looked away, pretending not to notice Zeke’s accusing glare. "You felt that?"
"Of course I did," Zeke replied, crossing his arms. "After all, I have a Domain too—even if I can’t use it at the moment. Don’t worry, though. Cass is still sleeping like a log. He won’t wake for another hour or so."
Dean nodded absently. "Oh."
Zeke tilted his head, studying Dean’s face. "So, what happened?"
"It’s nothing," Dean said quickly, brushing off the question.
Zeke didn’t look convinced. "You used your Domain for nothing?"
"I felt like stretching," Dean replied with a straight face.
Zeke’s expression shifted to one of utter disbelief. His eyes practically screamed, Bullshit! But Dean remained unfazed, his composure unshaken.
"Just focus on the Finals," Dean said, deflecting smoothly.
Zeke sighed but decided not to press further. "If you say so. I’ll go wash up."
As he turned to leave, Dean’s voice stopped him. "Zeke."
Zeke glanced back, raising an eyebrow.
"Just don’t take it too far," Dean said, his tone softer but no less serious.
Zeke held his gaze for a moment, then nodded subtly before walking away. Dean shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the weight of the night’s events.
Back in the room, Zeke freshened up and stared at the ceiling, boredom creeping in. Deciding he’d had enough, he turned toward the bed and nudged the sleeping figure.
"Cass," Zeke called.
Cass groaned and shifted under the covers. "What happened?" he mumbled groggily.
"Nothing," Zeke replied, his voice casual. "I just got bored."
Cass cracked one eye open. "So...nothing happened?"
"Nope."
"And you woke me up for no reason?"
"Pretty much."
Cass punched Zeke’s arm weakly and muttered, "Idiot," before pulling the blanket over his head. Despite his irritation, he was too tired to argue further. The lessons of his recent Ascension Trial had taught him the value of sleep—and he wasn’t about to let Zeke take that from him.
Zeke smirked, unfazed by the punch, and leaned back in his chair. His mind drifted back to Dean’s earlier display, the sheer force of his Domain lingering in his memory.
’Whatever Uncle Dean’s hiding’, Zeke thought, ’he better hope it doesn’t come back to bite him. Because if it does...’
Dean, meanwhile, walked alone through the predawn darkness, the weight of his choices settling heavy on his shoulders. The boys were worth it—of that, he had no doubt. But the road ahead would demand more sacrifices, and he wasn’t sure how much more he could afford to give.
