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Court officials (POV)
The atmosphere in the court was stifling, each official feeling the weight of the recent purge hanging over them. They had anticipated a tense meeting, perhaps discussions of policy or administrative changes, but this? This was a different kind of fear. It was as if the world had shifted on its axis, the very fabric of reality bending to the Emperor's will. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, their thoughts racing. Was the sun setting in the west, or were they merely hallucinating under the immense pressure? They watched each other's reactions, a silent plea for confirmation or denial.
One by one, the officials prostrated themselves before Emperor Meng Tian, their heads touching the cold floor with a desperation that spoke volumes. It was not merely a gesture of submission but a physical manifestation of their wish to disappear from the Emperor's wrath. Their necks, metaphorically and literally, seemed ready to be severed. The dread was palpable.
A guttural sound, like the growl of a demon, broke through the oppressive silence. "Everyone can rise."
The command echoed through the hall, but the officials remained bowed, their heads still pressed to the floor. The Emperor's voice, dripping with authority and a chilling edge, held them in thrall. Fear and respect wove together, making it impossible for them to lift their heads.
Emperor – Meng Tian (POV)
Meng Tian's gaze swept over the officials, his irritation growing. What was this? Were they so paralyzed by fear that they had lost their senses? He could hear their heartbeats—steady, though tinged with anxiety. Their fear was genuine, as was their respect. It was both gratifying and frustrating. He had sought to purge corruption, to cleanse the court, yet now he wondered if this blind obedience was a sign of true loyalty or a waste of time.
With a voice that carried the weight of centuries, he declared, "Who doesn't rise will be punished."
The instant his words reached the officials, they straightened with a collective jolt, as if struck by an invisible force. The scene was almost comical in its uniformity, but Meng Tian's expression remained impassive. A thought crossed his mind, an idea born of both practicality and discipline. Why not enforce compulsory military service for every male child in the Meng dynasty before the age of 25? Such a rule would instill discipline, tempering the arrogance of the noble classes.
Unbeknownst to the officials, this decree would send shivers down the spines of young children throughout the dynasty, their innocent hearts sensing an impending storm.
The Emperor resumed his throne, his demeanor one of detached authority. The imperial soldiers swiftly moved to remove the bodies from the court, their efficiency starkly contrasting with the earlier chaos. Within minutes, the floor was scrubbed clean, and a deep silence enveloped the hall.
Wei Qing, the eunuch, understood the Emperor's unspoken command and announced the beginning of the morning court. The officials, now visibly regaining their composure, resumed their duties as though nothing had happened. Yet, the new rules lingered in their minds like a shadow.
At the end of the court, the Emperor revealed the evidence of corruption and the list of those who had fallen. He decreed the seizure of their family properties and announced the new military service rule. The punishment for non-compliance would include a 20% increase in taxes, a year in prison, and exclusion from imperial exams.
The older officials, relieved to have escaped this new rule due to their age, expressed quiet satisfaction. The younger ones, however, faced a mixture of fear and resignation. They approved the rule, understanding its necessity, yet dreading its implications.
Victor (POV)
Victor watched the scene unfold with a mix of surprise and contemplation. The compulsory military service rule was a new development, one he hadn't anticipated. Could this be a result of the butterfly effect triggered by his presence? He considered the long-term impact of such a rule on the dynasty's stability and discipline. It seemed like a sensible policy in retrospect, something that should have been implemented long ago.
Victor's thoughts drifted to the shadow of General Lu Su, now his. Though not as powerful as he might have hoped, it was a valuable addition to his growing collection of shadows. He speculated that its strength might improve over time, perhaps through his own growth or the system's enhancements.
As he reflected on his own journey, he realized the importance of humility. Pride was necessary, but arrogance could be his undoing. He needed to remain vigilant, always prepared with contingencies for potential dangers.
Life in the imperial palace, while monotonous, was bearable compared to William's evident delight. Victor's gaze shifted to his status screen, seeking solace in the familiar details of his existence.
System: Silver
[10.00 am, the period after Apocalypse death]
[Place: Meng dynasty]
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Name: Victor Black
Gender: Male
Age: 5 years (+) old
Family: Black
Race: Dracula [Vampire (pure blood) 20%/Shadow (Evil) Dragon 80%] (Not mutant)
(Locked) Race evolution:
RACIAL LEVEL: Dracula (Lv5) (Max – 10)
JOB: Shadow lord (Lv5), vampire lord (Lv5), Dragonlord (Lv5).
WORLD: Marvel Universe
LEVEL: LV55(1200/5500) (Max LV ~ unknown)
ABILITY:
Anti-ageing (Unlocked – Normal ageing until 22 years old), Shadow control (Unlocked), Dragon skills (Unlocked), Shadow vampire awakening (Unlocked), Shadow awakening/summoning (unlocked), Poison resistance (Unlocked), Space transportation (Unlocked), (5000km distance limit).
INVENTORY:
Dragon tail chain blood whip, Blood scorpion dagger, Dragon monarch sword.
Details: Absorb blood of the killed, grows with owner soul, gives pressure to the enemy (with blood aura).
TITLE:
(Ancient Evil Beast Bloodline), (Assassin), (Animal blood drinker), (Animal slaughterer), (Animal hunter), (Bird slaughterer), (Bird hunter), (Blood lover), (Blood Relative eater), (Conqueror), (Charmer), (Human Killer), (Human Slaughterer), (Idiots Killer), (Idiot Slaughterer), (Jealous of Lovers), (King), (Leader), (Leader One), (Limit Breaker), (Natural Calamity of birds), (Natural Calamity of animals), (Natural Calamity of couples), (Mutant Killer), (Merciless), (Mutant Slaughterer), (Natural Calamity of mutants), (Natural Calamity of Idiots), (Peach lover), (Prince of Vampires), (Evil dragon heir), (Blood Relative Eater), (Ruler of Vampire), (Reincarnate), (Vampire King).
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HP: (2000/2000)
MP: (2200/2200)
STR: 51 (+)
AGILITY: 58 (+)
INT: 15 (Average INT of human – 15) (Max – 30) (Above is for infinity beings).
STAMINA: 54
CHARM: 7 (Average Charm of human – 5) (Max-10)
PAIN RESISTANCE: 5 (Max-10)
Skill Points: 1
Dragon pets: 1 lord class Shadow Werewolf, 10 shadow werewolf's, 1 disaster class Shadow Hydra, 3 lord class shadow panther, 1 dragon knight.
Shadows: 5,00,001.
Daily quest: Get ready to be strongest in shadow > Shadow dragon monarch.
Sleep for 12 hours (Reward Skill point – 0.01)
Drink milk (locked) - 500 ml (Reward - 5 Exp)
Drink blood (Unlocked) - 100 ml (Reward - 10 Exp)
(Warning! - Failure of Quest results in punishment.)
...
Author's Note: See you tomorrow.
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