Chance was in the quiet solace of his study, peeling an apple with meticulous precision. The repetitive motion was soothing, a brief respite from the myriad thoughts that usually plagued his mind. Just as he was about to take a bite, a commotion outside drew his attention. The unmistakable clamor of approaching soldiers made his heart skip a beat. In his surprise, the knife slipped, slicing his finger. Blood welled up, but it was the least of his worries. The presence of imperial soldiers at his door could only mean one thing—trouble.
A soldier knocked urgently, the sound echoing through the quiet room. Chance quickly wrapped his finger in a cloth, his mind racing. What could they possibly want? The door swung open, and the soldier entered, bowing low.
"Prince Chance," the soldier began, "the Emperor commands your immediate presence at the palace."
Chance's heart sank. The urgency in the soldier's voice left no room for doubt—this was serious. He nodded, feeling a sense of dread settle in his chest. "Very well," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Lead the way."
As Chance followed the soldier through the bustling streets, he couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. His mind raced with possibilities, each more dire than the last. When they arrived at the palace, he was escorted directly to the Emperor's chambers, bypassing the usual formalities. This was unprecedented.
The doors to the Emperor's private quarters were flung open, revealing a scene that took Chance by surprise. The Emperor, usually so pale and frail, seemed unusually vibrant. His eyes sparkled with an excitement Chance had never seen before.
"Chance, my son!" the Emperor exclaimed, his voice strong and clear. "I have heard the most extraordinary news about you."
Chance's heart pounded. "Your Majesty?" he said cautiously, bowing low.
The Emperor waved a hand dismissively. "None of that now. Come closer. Tell me about this time machine."
Chance felt a cold shiver run down his spine. How could they have found out? The only ones who knew were his most trusted servants and Rossy. There must have been a traitor. As he approached the throne, he saw the Emperor's eyes gleaming with a feverish intensity.
"Your Majesty," Chance began, choosing his words carefully, "the time machine is a complex and delicate device. It is not something to be taken lightly."
The Emperor's expression grew impatient. "I have been told that this device allows you to travel through time. Is this true?"
Chance nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Your Majesty. It is true. The machine manipulates the fabric of time, allowing the user to travel to different periods."
The Emperor's eyes widened with delight. "Amazing! With such a device, I can extend my reign indefinitely. I can be immortal!"
Chance shook his head, trying to temper the Emperor's enthusiasm. "Your Majesty, the time machine does not grant immortality. It merely allows travel through time. It cannot extend one's life or prevent aging."
But the Emperor was no longer listening. He clapped his hands, and a group of soldiers stepped forward. "Bring me the time machine at once!" he commanded.
Chance's heart raced. "No, Your Majesty. The time machine is too dangerous. It must not be used recklessly."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed. "Are you defying me, Chance?"
Chance took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, I must insist. The time machine must remain undisturbed. The consequences of its misuse could be catastrophic."
The Emperor's face darkened with anger. "Seize him!" he ordered.
The soldiers moved quickly, grabbing Chance and binding his hands. He struggled, but there were too many of them. "Your Majesty, please!" he cried out. "You don't understand the dangers!"
But the Emperor's mind was made up. "Take him away," he said coldly. "And bring me the time machine."
As Chance was dragged away, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of despair. The Emperor's obsession with immortality had blinded him to the real dangers. Chance could only hope that the time machine would remain safe, and that somehow, he could find a way to stop this madness.
But for now, he was a prisoner, his warnings unheard, his fears dismissed. The Emperor's quest for eternal life had set them on a perilous path, and Chance knew that the consequences could be more dire than anyone could imagine.
It occurred to him that he must resist, this can also cause an unstoppable disaster, once the crossing passage is open, then many people with ulterior motives will use the crossing to gain more power and wealth, he thought this way, but now that his hands are tied up, what should I do, the soldiers escorting on both sides of me are also staring at me and General Thunder is no longer with me right now, how should I tell him about my current situation, suddenly He thought of a way