Rising god-Chapter 102: Empire’s call: Grand introduction

In a distant continent, shrouded in dread, lay the domain of a fearsome clan. Those who strayed into its territory trembled, not just for the family estate but for the entire region they ruled. Known as monsters, disaster incarnates, and overpowered beings, their true name was rarely spoken, for uttering it could summon calamity.

Deep within their city, in the heart of their fortified estate, two figures lay entwined on a bed, their closeness a sight that would stun any clan member. How could these two show such tenderness? they would wonder, rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

"Honey, when will you announce him?" the woman murmured, her voice carrying a youthful lilt despite her ageless visage.

The man sighed, his tone weary. "I’ve told you, the boy isn’t interested. His heart is set on revenge."

"Then why not tell him now?" she pressed, undeterred.

"You haven’t met him," he replied. "He already despises us, even though we didn’t aid his enemies. What do you think he’ll do if we reveal the truth?" He paused, a shadow crossing his face. "I don’t want my house reduced to ashes."

Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Isn’t that better? Or do you think he could destroy us?" She chuckled, amused by the notion.

The man remained silent, his thoughts heavy. He knew Baines’s rage had yet to fully surface, and he dreaded the day it would.

"Hoo, your silence is saying something else, then shall we test him?" Her playful challenge hung unanswered, and with a flick of her finger, a shadow vanished from the room.

"You never listen, do you?" he muttered, sighing. ’I hope this doesn’t push him too far. It’ll only get worse.’

...

In Zorath, the Sun Destroyer’s hull opened, revealing the capital’s vibrant tapestry—lush gardens, golden spires, and bustling streets. Baines and the 5th Imperial Commander descended without a word to each other, just to be greeted by a figure in resplendent golden robes flanked by rows of gleaming knights.

"5th Imperial Commander," the man bowed, then turned to Baines. "You must be Sir Jin. We’ve heard much of your deeds. I am Grand Chamberlain Roust. Welcome." His smile was warm, but his eyes assessed.

"Before anything else, we must hurry," Roust added. "His Highness and the court ministers await." He gestured for Baines to follow, and the commander vanished, leaving no trace.

As they traversed the Sun Palace, Baines found its grandeur overwhelming, almost divine. Towering golden pillars supported vaulted ceilings, adorned with massive portraits of past emperors, their eyes seeming to watch.

Roust then launched into a history lesson. "This empire traces back to when our god Sol’zorath walked the earth, leaving a child. With his blood, the Solaris Empire rose on the spot where he ascended. Sol’aris was his child’s name, hence our empire’s title..." His voice droned, but Baines’s mind wandered to a pressing concern: ’How will I claim the third treasure?’

Luckily for him, the first and second treasures were in Darkan, within his reach; however, in here, there were so many eyes. But then again, he would have to see how things went first before he began his planning. Before long, they reached a pair of colossal golden doors, large enough for a dragon to pass through.

...

The throne room was a spectacle of opulence, packed with court ministers, sun-ranked nobles, and clan heads. Its splendor outshone the palace itself, with gilded walls and chandeliers casting radiant light. At the room’s apex, up a red-gold staircase, sat the throne, veiled in blinding brilliance. It was a situation where one couldn’t even properly see the throne.

And seated on the highest throne was the man who ruled this land as its emperor, the wielder of the eternal sun grimoire. In mana ranking, they were called Mana saints, and in ranking, they were called Archmages, also known to the world as the 9th star. His hair and eyes almost looked too unreal as they swirled ethereal and alive, and atop his forehead was a mark of a sun that shone in brilliance. His sun robe flowed down the stairs, reaching the last step.

Emperor Ar’den Gel Sol’aris.

Below him, four smaller thrones held three princes and a princess, their own auras formidable, though less divine.

An event was unfolding.

Kneeling in all surrender before the emperor was the Varen Darkan, the family head of the Darkans.

A herald in uniform read from a parchment. "Darkan family, a two-sun-rank clan, tasked with aiding the Last Front and succeeding, successfully quelled a civil war, eliminating thirty percent of the rebels, cleared the first ruin in history, and won an unwinnable war against the Silver Duchy of the Vodal Kingdom." He paused, lowering his voice. "However, along the way, they reclaimed their draconic heritage, becoming true dragons."

The room’s eyes bore into the Darkan Head, tension crackling.

He spoke firmly, "I humbly resubmit and swear allegiance to the empire, to fight for its cause when called. This I swear."

Murmurs softened, the crowd’s suspicion easing. No one needed to explain what just happened. As true dragons, they would’ve wanted to act like true dragons and rebel or something; however, they seemed to have misunderstood.

The emperor’s voice, soothing yet commanding, echoed. "Then rise as leader of a three-sun-rank clan."

"Thank you," the Darkan Head bowed and joined the court ministers. Honestly, from their achievements, no one felt they actually deserved that rank; however, as dragons, they should at least respect that fact.

"Call the next person," the emperor decreed.

Finally.

Anticipation surged, eyes locking on the golden doors as they swung open.

The herald’s voice rang out, detailing Baines’s feats. "After twenty days at the Last Front, he refined their techniques, introduced new formations, and led forty thousand soldiers against a million outliers. His impossible strategy earned him the title Battlefield Changer. In Darkan, he lured the underground organizations, dismantling them in one strike."

Gasps filled the room as Baines entered, his black hair and red-flecked eyes striking under the throne room’s light. The herald continued, "Called the Young Sun Commander, he cleared the first ruin, revived the dragon clan, and led an improbable victory against the Silver Duchy. Today, he earns the nickname First Star. He is Jin."

Thunderous applause erupted, the crowd awed by his legend. If they hadn’t already heard the more intricate stories, they would have dismissed it as a lie.

The herald concluded, "Jin, you stand in the presence of His Highness."

Baines knelt, with his head bowed. "I greet the Emperor,"

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