Dancing on the golden ashes-Chapter 202: Emperor Khalid

The entire city was in chaos, but I couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle. They had never expected someone like me to show up uninvited, yet here I was, walking through their streets as if I owned the place. I didn’t need an invitation to be here; if anyone wasn’t willing to welcome me with open arms, they’d regret it for the rest of their miserable lives.

"Move faster," I said, my voice cold as I glared at the guard in front of me. He was deliberately leading me on a winding path through the city, probably trying to buy some time, maybe even alerting Khalid before my arrival. I knew, though, that Khalid had already felt my presence the moment I entered. His aura had scanned me from afar, a reluctant acknowledgment of the power I exuded. But oddly, it didn’t dare approach me. Why? Was the second-ranked emperor intimidated by my aura?

I couldn’t help but smirk. He wanted me as his wife, and now he was hiding from me. It spoke volumes about his character.

"Please, whatever you are, just spare the people..." The guard stuttered, his voice trembling, his legs shaking beneath him.

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I paused, turning my gaze toward him, relishing the fear radiating from him. "What do you think I am?" I asked, knowing the answer already, but still curious to see how he’d react.

He hesitated, clearly trying to figure out how best to respond, weighing every word as if his life depended on it.

"I... I’m not sure, but you look like... you look like you’re a monster from this world. But... why can you speak? Did you learn from us humans?" His voice wavered, and I could feel the dread seeping into his words.

The idea that he’d called me a monster didn’t shock me — I’d been called worse. But the way he said it, as if he was staring at something utterly alien, made me pause for a moment.

"I’m from Korea," I replied, a hint of sarcasm in my tone. "I’m human... well, I used to be. Now, yes, you may call me a monster if you like." I allowed a small chuckle to escape my lips. "But I’m someone your emperor will be glad to meet. And don’t tremble like a leaf in a storm. I won’t kill anyone... if you behave." I smiled, but it wasn’t kind. "And if you’re a good boy and get me to where I need to go faster, I might even put in a good word for you. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll have you serve me."

His face shifted, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of hope. "You’re from the same world as us? Then... does that mean you’re a top ranker?!" he asked, his voice suddenly louder, his fear replaced by awe. His eyes brightened as he looked at me again, the previous panic gone.

The relief in the crowd around us was palpable.

So this was what the world had become — the weak cowered at the thought of monsters, but the stronger you were, the more they worshipped you. Only those of their own kind were accepted, as if that somehow made you one of them. It was pathetic. Did this mean if I summoned all of my beasts, they’d scatter like chickens? The thought made my mouth curve into a smile, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to test it. But first... a chat with the second-place emperor. That would be interesting.

Finally, we reached the palace of Emperor Khalid. It was an odd fusion of old and new, a breathtaking blend of futuristic technology and ancient Arab architecture. Tall, curved spires made of glass and chrome gleamed under the desert sun, while intricate geometric patterns adorned the massive stone walls that surrounded the palace. The structure was vast, stretching far beyond what the eye could see, with open courtyards filled with fountains, the sound of water flowing gently against the dry desert winds.

The air was thick with the scent of incense, and hovering vehicles whizzed by overhead, adding to the odd charm of this place. Despite the modern advancements, the palace still carried an air of mysticism, as if the past and future had collided in the most beautiful and terrifying way. The gates ahead were massive, guarded by figures in sleek armor, their expressions hidden beneath their helmets. There was no doubt, this was Khalid’s domain.

"We are here!" Suddenly, the guard became enthusiastic, his face lighting up with a bright smile. He looked so proud of the palace, and honestly, I could understand why. If I lived here, I’d probably look the same. The place was breathtaking—grand and imposing. As I looked around, I could sense that it wasn’t ancient; this palace had been built not too long ago. How did I know? Call it intuition, and maybe a lot of blood and sweat had gone into its creation.

Without warning, the massive gates slowly creaked open. As the crack widened, I caught sight of a tall figure standing in the distance. He was a little shorter than me, but his features were striking—sharp, yet regal. The man extended his arm, and without a word, a massive golden sword materialized in the air, made of pure soul energy. The sword emanated an oppressive pressure that tried to restrict my movements, pushing down on me like an invisible force.

The guard next to me suddenly started bleeding from his nose and ears. The power was too much for him to handle, and I couldn’t help but look at him with mild distaste.

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"Is that how your emperor treats his guests and his people? How disappointing..." I muttered under my breath. I placed my palm on the guard’s shoulder, creating a small bubble of space to allow him to breathe, but my focus stayed on the imposing sword.

I raised my other hand, summoning a miniature sun of intense energy. With a swift motion, I launched it straight at the golden sword. The two forces collided, and the sword crumbled instantly, golden energy falling like snowflakes, shimmering as it disintegrated.

The air cleared, and I let out a soft laugh. Beautiful, but someone was getting a beating today.