The Billionaire CEO Becomes the Youngest Emperor-Chapter 20 - 19: the calm before the storm

"So, you knew I was here from the start?" the hooded man asked, his voice trembling ever so slightly.

It was obvious. With mana that terrifying, there was no other possibility. At first, I thought I was mistaken—how could such an overwhelming aura come from a mere child? But the scene I had just witnessed confirmed my doubts.

I had long suspected that the Saint was not as pure as she claimed to be. Yes, she healed people, but those she saved would soon develop an obsessive devotion to her—like religious fanatics. After observing her for some time, I finally understood why: she was using dark magic of an unspeakable level, magic capable of controlling minds.

But what I couldn't comprehend was how she could wield both divine magic and such formidable dark magic. That combination was supposed to be humanly impossible.

And yet, Lucian was completely unaffected by her mind control. Worse still, the Saint was now in a miserable state.

What did she see?

A shiver of excitement ran through the hooded man, stirring an uncontrollable curiosity.

---

Wait... him? No way, right?

Lucian's mind was racing. He struggled to maintain a composed expression, but his heart pounded wildly.

Could it be... I have a summoning skill?

Hahaha... I knew it! There's no way I'm just another magicless nobody in this world!

Alright, enough joking around.

"Oh? I didn't think there was anyone else in this room besides me, the girl lying down, and the Saint."

At the mention of the Saint, the hooded man finally turned his attention to her. She was collapsing, drained of mana after tending to Julia.

The Saint... what the hell is wrong with her? This is going to be a problem.

A bead of sweat rolled down Lucian's cheek.

Shit... He's going to think I did something to her!

"Ah, the Saint... well, um—"

"Don't worry. I don't care." The man's cold voice cut him off.

In truth, no one in this room cared about her. Yet, this woman was worshipped throughout the Empire—no, across the entire continent. After all, there were five Saints, one for each of the five great empires.

Lucian quickly regained his composure, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh... tell me if I'm wrong... but would you happen to be Azrael Itharion?"

Silence filled the room. The hooded man studied him carefully before responding.

"Hmm... Have we met before? And how do you know my name?"

Lucian smirked.

"No, of course not... It's just that you're very well known in the world of magic. And since I'm a passionate enthusiast, it's only natural that I'd know such a prestigious name."

"..."

"You don't believe me, do you?" Lucian asked, sounding defeated.

"Sorry, but no, I don't."

As expected from my favorite character.

Back when I read the novel, I absolutely loved this guy. A master of four elements, a genius researcher... Yes, the Ninth-Circle Mage, Azrael Itharion. But what fascinated me most about him wasn't just his power—it was his ability to break down every component of an element.

For example, he could separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. A complete madman... I never understood how that was even possible.

I often imagined what my inventions would look like if I could collaborate with such a genius back on Earth...

Lucian blushed slightly, embarrassed by the flood of ideas rushing through his mind.

Regaining his composure, he declared, "Sorry, but I can't tell you how I know your name."

The hooded man stared at him for a moment before letting out a sigh and removing his mask.

Revealed beneath was a man in his thirties, with jet-black hair and piercing eyes. He studied Lucian intently before speaking in a stern voice:

"It doesn't really matter. I was simply curious as to why the emperor of an empire as distant as yours would know the name of a magician as insignificant and low-profile as myself."

Lucian clenched his teeth.

No one respects my empire in this world, huh...?

He had noticed it—the condescending way Azrael looked at him, despite his status.

Tsk.

Clicking his tongue in irritation, he abandoned the well-crafted argument he had prepared. With someone this arrogant, he might as well get straight to the point.

"I want us to work together."

Azrael didn't respond immediately. He simply observed Lucian in silence.

In truth, at that very moment, he was conducting a meticulous analysis. His gaze pierced beyond appearances, scrutinizing the boy's mana flow.

No matter how he looked at it... this kid was utterly ordinary.

But something was off.

Around him, an eerie dark mist drifted—imperceptible to anyone but Azrael.

"...!!!"

His expression shifted abruptly.

He had just realized something.

The boy's mana was there... but it wasn't his own. How is that possible?

"Are you even listening, mage?"

"Huh?! Ah, yeah, sorry—I got lost in thought."

Unlike earlier, Azrael's lips curled into a half-smile as he looked at Lucian.

I need to study this...

Mages were the most curious beings on the continent.

His eyes shimmered with excitement.

Huh? What's up with him all of a sudden?

"Listen, as I was saying, I want us to wor—"

Lucian didn't even get to finish his sentence before Azrael abruptly cut him off.

"IT'S A DEAL!"

"???"

Lucian froze, completely bewildered.

"I will come to the Thirteenth Empire soon. I just need to finish something here first... See you very soon."

A green light appeared beneath Azrael's feet, and in an instant, he vanished.

"???"

Lucian stared at the spot where he had stood just moments ago.

What... just happened?

He... just agreed? Just like that?

I was expecting a flat-out rejection. But I was sure I could pique his curiosity by introducing some of my magical innovation ideas.

If he took the bait, I knew we would cross paths again.

But... he accepted immediately?

"You should be careful."

Lucian turned around.

Oh...

The voice came from where the Saint had been treating Julia.

"You're awake?"

"As you can see."

Julia was now sitting on the bench where she had been lying earlier. She spoke to Lucian without looking at him, her eyes fixed on the Saint, who was now unconscious on the ground.

I really thought I was going to die...

The Saint was incredibly powerful. But why was she passed out?

Lucian broke the silence.

"Was that some kind of illness, or...?" he asked cautiously.

Julia finally tore her gaze away from the Saint.

"Thanks for sending me to her. But as per our agreement, you will receive nothing from the Eleventh Empire."

Her voice was cold.

She sure doesn't waste time...

Lucian raised an eyebrow before calmly replying,

"That was no longer my intention anyway."

"Good." Flip.

Julia leaped off the church bench.

Lucian, still standing behind, watched her.

The young woman, slightly taller than him, walked in his direction... then passed by without even a glance.

"I don't know why the Saint is in this state, but I had nothing to do with it. So deal with it."

She kept walking, not looking back.

The Thirteenth Empire, huh...

A faint smile formed on her lips.

Lucian shrugged.

That's cold, even for a businesswoman...

Lately, an urgency had been growing inside him. He needed to return to the Empire.

It wasn't patriotism. Nothing like that.

No.

If he wanted any chance of returning to Earth, he had no choice. His empire had to dominate this continent. In every possible way.

Some would say it was impossible.

However...

A smirk spread across his face.

I don't know about other areas, but when it comes to financial power, I will stand at the top.

And money is the dominant factor. In every world.

His unconscious habit returned.

"What are you doing with that look on your face?"

Lucian flinched.

She saw me...

Julia ignored it and continued immediately:

"Anyway. Take me to my sister. We need to leave."

"Aren't you staying here for the night?"

"No, thanks. Unlike some people, we have obligations to fulfill."

She's clearly not in the mood to talk business right now... And neither am I.

And even less in the mood for her sarcasm.

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Lucian shrugged.

"Alright then. I was planning to go there today anyway."

---

Tenth Empire

"Very well, but I want to be sure one last time."

The emperor of the Tenth Empire, Gaius Niketas, stared at his advisor with a serious expression.

"I trust you... But is this operation really worth all that money?"

Boris Zand, his personal advisor, responded without hesitation:

"Yes, Your Majesty. The profits we will gain are beyond estimation—they will be colossal."

He paused before adding with a smile:

"I even believe we could reach the top six before the war."

Gaius burst into laughter.

"HAHAHA! Just as expected from you! HAHAHA!"

Boris gave a slight bow.

"At your service, Your Majesty."

Then, after a brief hesitation, he added:

"If you allow it, I will inform Empero

r Lucian of your decisions immediately."

Gaius raised an eyebrow.

"Hmmm... You seem to have some respect for him, don't you?"

Boris smirked.

"I must admit, he has exceeded my expectations."

The emperor simply shrugged.

"Whatever. You may go."

"Goodbye, Your Majesty."

___

Meanwhile Lucian returned to the 13th Empire