Without another word, the emperor's terrifying aura swept through the room like a wave of raw energy. An overwhelming power, almost tangible, descended upon Linfer, forcing him to bend under this infernal pressure. The air grew heavy, as if the entire room was caught in a vice.
But Linfer, though staggering, remained standing. His legs trembled violently, his bones creaking under the strain of the emperor's Intentio, slowly breaking under the immense force. Excruciating pain radiated from his lower limbs, but he did not yield. He clenched his teeth, his jaws tightened as blood began to flow from his mouth. Around him, the floor cracked, scarred by Octavius' furious Intentio, which sought to completely subjugate him.
Despite the agony, Linfer stood firm, his red eyes still defying those of his father.
"Octavius!" the empress suddenly exclaimed, striking the armrest of her throne with force, attempting to interrupt her husband before the situation escalated further.
Octavius barely turned his gaze, his face contorted with hatred. The resentment towards Linfer burned within him for so long. It was not just his insolence that exasperated him; it was also what Linfer's mother had done, a memory still too painful. The contempt he held for his son seemed boundless.
But before the situation worsened, a calm and measured voice resonated throughout the hall.
"Emperor, please, calm yourself," Caesto said. His voice, though gentle, carried an undeniable weight and authority. "Remember the importance of this gathering."
The sage's words seemed to pierce through Octavius' rage, and he eventually released his Intentio. The crushing aura dissipated suddenly, freeing Linfer from its grip.
Freed, Linfer burst into laughter, a demented cackle that echoed through the room, as he breathed heavily, out of breath. His broken bones began to slowly realign with sinister cracks. The pain was evident, but on his face, there was only amusement and a provocative gaze. He turned his attention to Octavius, a mocking smile still gracing his bloody lips.
"Not bad, father. You still have the fire of your youth, it's a shame you're impotent in bed."
The room fell silent for a moment, and Octavius' expression was unreadable. He tried his best to spare the insolent one, but Linfer was not making it easy.
This silence was only broken by a soft murmur, a voice so gentle it sent a shiver down Linfer's spine.
"Little brother, stop bothering father," Alderbaran said.
The apple core on the floor suddenly caught fire, then vanished into nothingness, leaving no trace.
Gazing at the black flame, Linfer swallowed hard.
If he hated the emperor and felt jealousy towards Leviathan, it was only fear that he felt in the presence of Alderbaran.
Octavius took a deep breath, his voice resonating in the vast throne room, and finally declared:
"The Northern Elysian have descended into the lower plane."
A heavy silence settled as all eyes turned towards the emperor, awaiting the rest of his words with apprehension.
"The war for control of the lower plane has already begun," he continued. "An alliance has been formed between the three kingdoms to limit this battle to the younger generation, to avoid the annihilation of mortals. I have decided to send the three of you alone. You must conquer the lower plane, eliminate any obstacles, and establish your own kingdom, with subjects who will be loyal to you. And most importantly, do not forget to find the special mortals."
"Affirmative, Your Majesty!" Leviathan responded, his face stern and solemn.
Octavius continued, his gaze piercing:
"They will be many, more numerous than you. Be vigilant. The one who accomplishes the greatest feats will become my heir." With those words, he summoned a halberd as black as the abyss from his ring and threw it towards Leviathan.
"I count on you, my son. Make me proud."
Linfer, slightly in the background, observed the scene with contempt.
'By giving your halberd, you have already chosen your heir. Why this dramatic show?' he thought, watching the scene with disgust. Leviathan caught the weapon without flinching.
"It is an honor, Father. I would like to bow, but my person does not allow it."
A booming laugh escaped the emperor's lips. He looked at his son with unhidden pride. Leviathan, despite his excessive arrogance, embodied what Octavius saw as the perfect future emperor, a mirror of his own youth.
"That is what I expect from a future emperor." The emperor's approval was quickly followed by repeated praises from the counselors, seeking to gain favor.
'Didn't I refuse to bow a few minutes ago? Why are their reactions so different?' Linfer thought with a mocking smile.
The silence was broken by an unexpected question:
"Emperor, why send only three of us?"
All turned towards Linfer, who had dared to interject with a nonchalant yawn.
Octavius' icy gaze fell upon him.
"I doubt anyone else could survive by your side, except Leviathan and Alderbaran," he replied with evident weariness. The emperor knew that anyone standing near Linfer would risk an untimely end, whether killed for pleasure or seduced, kissed, and then murdered, it was pointless to give Linfer toys. Let Leviathan and Alderbaran contain him and then unleash him in the Elysian stronghold. That was Octavius' plan.
"Well, I believe that is all. Your mission begins tomorrow. You are free to go."
The black flames engulfed Alderbaran, and she disappeared instantly. Leviathan nodded and left with the halberd.
Linfer, his eyes sparkling with cruel amusement, suddenly cleared his throat.
"Empress Epsilone, I would like to discuss strategies regarding the conquest of the lower plane, in my chamber, if that is not inconvenient for you."
The emperor's forehead creased with frustration.
"It is Sage Caesto who is responsible for the strategies..."
"Father, are you calling me Epsilone?" Linfer gave his father a sarcastic look, whose irritation was growing.
The empress, calm and elegant, diffused the tension.
"Don't worry, dear. It's nothing. Linfer, come to my office instead." She left the room with a light step.
Before departing, Caesto gave Linfer a discreet sign.
"Ah... Caesto. You alone seem worthy of my trust here. They all hate me."
"You are partly responsible for this situation, Linfer."
"What? You too are abandoning me?"
Caesto sighed.
"Linfer, I believe the time has come to prove your worth."
Linfer raised an eyebrow.
"Prove my worth? Very well..."
As he walked alone down the corridor, his mind already calculated the steps of his plan. He must first conquer the lower plane, then dispose of his father, eliminating Leviathan and Alderbaran. Finally, he would seize the upper plane, and nothing nor no one could stop him.