"Alright, I'll be merciful since you're on the brink of death. However, before that, allow me to share a tale with you. Did you know that thousands of years ago, there was a mage who crafted the world's deadliest poison, known as the 'Poison of the King of Hell'?"
Roel didn't answer; instead, he struggled to endure the intense pain he was currently experiencing.
The mana power inside his body was in chaos; the stinging headache caused him to sweat so profusely that it soaked his entire robe; his heart beat at an irregular pace; and other reactions indicated that he had been poisoned without realizing it!
Furthermore, Julius unexpectedly decided to divulge to Roel the existence of the poison of the king of hell—a long-lost, world-renowned toxin known as the deadliest poison that time had forgotten!
Observing Roel's evident distress and the faint signs of impending unconsciousness, Julius smiled playfully.
"As the most talented and intelligent student of the Saint Heines Magic Academy, it is certain that you are aware of the poison of the king of hell, renowned worldwide for its deadly effects. This poison, which existed thousands of years ago, claimed the lives of millions across various races, leading to its prohibition and the destruction of all its recipes from the face of the world. From my concise explanation, I'm sure you've deduced why you're experiencing the pain in your body right now, haven't you?" Julius said it casually, wearing a smile typical of villains in fantasy novels.
Seeing that smile, Roel yearned to unleash his most formidable magic and reduce Julius to ashes.
Unfortunately, he couldn't even move a finger, and a hazy sensation hinted at the possibility of fainting as his consciousness struggled against the unbearable pain.
"Alright, Roel Lionis, savor your final moments, for death awaits you shortly," Julius said indifferently.
Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure bore down on Roel once again, causing him to lose consciousness instantly.
As Julius observed him in this state, there was no trace of pity but rather a sense of relief in his heart.
"In this manner, the future has been altered, and Roel Lionis, who posed a threat in the divination, has been dealt with..." Julius muttered to himself, closing his eyes for a moment.
Gradually, he reopened his eyes and summoned, "Chairman and deputy shadow guard!"
No sooner had he spoken than two figures in black cloaks instantly materialized behind him, kneeling on one knee in deference.
"Yes, Your Majesty the Emperor!" They responded simultaneously, their tone reverent and respectful toward Julius.
"Deputy shadow guards, I command you to transport this young man's body as far away from the Empire as possible and do it within the hour!" Julius issued the order, pointing at Roel's unconscious form.
Upon receiving the directive, one of the two black-cloaked individuals responded with the utmost respect.
"As you command, Your Majesty!" As he rose to his feet and caught sight of the young man's face, he gasped in shock and fear.
"This is... Young Mage Roel!?" he exclaimed in disbelief, a sense of horror gripping him for the first time in his life.
Quickly shaking his head, he descended towards Roel's unconscious body, swiftly carrying him away from the throne room like a gust of wind without further delay.
Meanwhile, Julius' expression remained unchanged from earlier, staying as composed as before.
"What are your thoughts on my actions, Chief of the Shadow Guard, Mage Frederin?" Julius inquired of the other cloaked figure behind him, maintaining a calm tone.
"In my view, Your Majesty's actions are remarkably bold and carry substantial risks. If the Saint Heines Magic Academy were to become aware of this incident, it could potentially spark an all-out war between the Arcadia Empire and the Saint Heines Magic Academy," expressed the cloaked figure, Frederin, providing his opinion and judgment.
After all, assassinating the most talented mage in the human race was akin to declaring war on humanity itself.
Furthermore, if the perpetrator of the murder belonged to the human race, it could be considered a betrayal of humanity!
Certainly, Frederin himself understood Julius' motives for undertaking this action, but the potential consequences were highly perilous and beyond imagination.
If discovered, there was a possibility that a civil and internal war within the human race could unfold in the near future, thereby weakening the entire human race itself!
The Demon race, in longstanding conflict with the human race, might seize this opportunity, and the stability of power maintained between the races for thousands of years would undoubtedly collapse!
So, it was only natural for him to be concerned, wasn't it?
On the other hand, Julius, upon hearing Frederin's statement, didn't argue because, indeed, what he did was a risky and almost suicidal move.
However, as long as he avoided getting caught, it didn't matter.
The purpose behind calling Roel in person was to forestall such a situation.
Moreover, he refrained from directly killing Roel; instead, he employed the poison of the king of hell.
Within two hours, Roel would succumb to a gradual demise, preventing the Saint Heines Magic Academy from discovering the identity of his assailant.
Roel, being the most talented mage of mankind, undoubtedly possessed a magic tool capable of triggering a death alarm.
To circumvent this, before Roel arrived, Julius had installed a magic barrier that temporarily disrupted any magic tools that might be in his possession.
These precautionary measures were taken to alleviate concerns about potential repercussions.
"Hehehe... No need for concern, Mage Frederin, as I've foreseen every detail. Within two hours, the poison that Roel Lionis unwittingly inhaled will commence its effect, leading to a slow and agonizing demise..." Julius chuckled, and a sense of security, long absent, finally embraced him, providing a reborn sensation.
('Don't blame me for extending a reasonable choice only to be rejected...') He muttered to himself without a hint of guilt.
Frederin, upon hearing Julius' words, could only maintain silence, fully aware of the cruel nature of his emperor.
"Alright, I plan to make an announcement tomorrow, stating that Roel Lionis was poisoned while defending the border and succumbed to a death caused by the Demon Race." Julius swiftly formulated a strategy, shifting the responsibility for Roel's demise onto the Demon Race.
Since Roel had recently returned from the border, this was an opportune moment to attribute his death to the Demon Race.
This move could potentially prompt the Saint Heines Magic Academy, which seldom intervenes, to take action against the Demon Race.
Frederin felt goosebumps at Julius' directive but opted to suppress all feelings of horror and bow respectfully.
"Yes, as you command, Your Majesty!" He replied respectfully, and just as he was about to leave, Julius raised his hand and halted him.
"Summon the seven great sages and gather them in my throne room. Now is the time for our Arcadia Empire to reveal its fangs to all our adversaries, including the Demon race and the Dragon race at the border."
Nestled between the formidable Dragon race and the relentless Demon race, the Arcadia Empire found itself under siege from these two adversaries of the human race.
Thus, his words made it clear that this was a declaration of war, sending shivers down Frederin's body!
('His Majesty is finally taking action! This will reshape the order of the continent!') He muttered to himself and nodded respectfully before vanishing, leaving Julius alone on the throne.
His countenance appeared cold, and an unusually powerful aura emanated from his body.
"From now on, I will defy fate, and no one can stop me, hahaha!"