Chapter 237: Chapter 237

Just now, Ian was pushing Leonic toward the Emperor.

“Please wake up now.”

At first, the Emperor didn’t respond—which was expected. His body had been overtaken by one of the Seven Sins: Sloth. His eyes, devoid of focus, reflected the emptiness of a lost will. The helmet spoke with frustration.

[Those consumed by Sloth lose all will. They can’t think. Even breathing becomes a burden.]

[Then why waste time on something so pointless? Wouldn’t it be better to handle the enemies outside instead?]

‘Just wait. I have a plan.’

Ian once again brought Leonic before the Emperor. The very man responsible for the Emperor’s condition, the one who had thrown Cantum into chaos. As expected, the Emperor showed no reaction.

He looked like nothing more than an old man, hollow and broken. Yet for some reason, Ian saw his former self in the Emperor’s current state. Without realizing, he clenched his fist.

‘I was the same. Just a puppet under Duke Garcia’s control.’

That was why he couldn’t turn away. He wanted to help the Emperor—the once-radiant symbol of Cantum—reclaim his rightful place. So Ian took a drastic step.

One of the Seven Sins dwelling within Ian: Fury. He unleashed it toward the Emperor.

A massive surge of rage erupted. The crimson-black dragon of Fury collided violently with the dark yellow haze of Sloth, clashing for dominance. At that moment, Ian grabbed Leonic by the neck and forced him directly in front of the Emperor.

“Look closely. This is the man who destroyed Cantum. The man who reduced Your Majesty to this state.”

“What…what do you think you’re doing? Do you really believe this will change anything?”

“That’s something we’ll find out.”

Despite Leonic’s struggles, Ian remained calm. He already hosted two of the Seven Sins—he understood their nature better than anyone.

‘They are never allies. They constantly seek to devour and surpass one another. If Sloth behaves as I expect…this will work.’

It had to work. Sloth was a sin that erased all desire and motivation. But Fury was different.

‘Fury will burn itself to ashes just to destroy its enemy. When desire faces apathy—desire always wins.’

No matter how exhausted or numb a person may be—if the one they hate most stands before them, they cannot ignore it. That’s how it was for Ian, with Garcia. In both his past and present life, Garcia was someone he had to destroy.

‘I’ve already taken part of my revenge, but it’s not over.’

True revenge wasn’t just about toppling Duke Garcia’s family. It was about seizing what he once lacked—and shining brighter than anyone else. Ian poured even more power into Fury.

The black dragon surged forward, pushing back the dark yellow light. For a moment, it clearly overpowered Sloth and seized control of the Emperor’s body. Ian watched coldly, unflinching.

‘This was the only way to overcome Sloth.’

Overwhelming helplessness had to be met with overwhelming anger. That was the only solution. And thanks to it, Sloth was temporarily suppressed.

At that very moment, the Emperor let out a groan.

It sounded similar to before—but this time, the emotion was different.

A faint light returned to his dull eyes. But it wasn’t enough yet.

Ian shouted toward the attendants.

“Open the great hall doors! Let the Emperor see the battle outside!”

“B-but… we’re in the middle of a siege. According to imperial protocol, that’s forbidden…”

Ian’s voice rang out sharply. Yet the eunuchs and attendants hesitated, frozen with uncertainty. Powerless as he seemed, the Emperor was still the sovereign of Cantum—and opening the great hall without his consent was unthinkable. But one man dared to move. The Chief Eunuch stepped forward and threw the doors wide open himself.

“Ch-Chief Eunuch! What are you doing?!”

“This breaks protocol!”

“Silence! Can’t you see the situation? If the Empire falls, your lives end just the same. Do you still not understand?”

The eunuchs fell silent. Their lives were worth more than strict adherence to protocol. After all, whether death came from the Emperor or the invading monsters, the outcome was the same. Because of the Chief Eunuch’s bold action, the view beyond the palace doors now lay wide open—revealing the monstrous horde surging toward the city walls in the distance.

At the sight, a pained and furious voice escaped the Emperor’s lips. He could feel it—the agony of his people, his soldiers—as if it were his own.

“Can you hear them? You always said your people were like your own children. Your children are dying out there!”

“Your former heir, Leonic, and the second prince—they tried to sell this country. All because you were gone.”

Ian locked eyes with the Emperor. Though still clouded by helplessness, a flicker of fire danced in his eyes. Ian spoke softly but firmly.

“I’ve heard the Emperor holds a special power. One that can only be used once in a lifetime. If that’s true—then now is the time.”

“If you are truly the Emperor… if you truly love your people—stand up. Protect your people. Protect your nation!”

And at that very moment, as Ian finished speaking, light exploded from the Emperor’s eyes—and he stood.

With anger in his voice, he slammed his fists down on the throne. A brilliant explosion of golden light burst forth.

A massive wave of golden light surged outward, far beyond the palace—encompassing the entire imperial city.

The golden wave—it was unmistakably the Light of Cantum, a power said to be wielded only once in a lifetime by the Emperor. Ian’s eyes gleamed.

From the clamor outside, it was clear the tide of battle had begun to shift.

“The attack is working!”

“Fire the arrows! Strike down the enemies!”

The soldiers, who had until now focused solely on defense, began to take the offensive. Arrows and cannon fire rained down upon the monsters. No matter how many monsters there were, they stood no chance against the relentless assault. Still, Ian remained cautious.

‘If it’s Leon, there’s no way this ends here.’

He had already faced Leon’s power once.

For those who fed on negative emotions, the battlefield was a feast without end. And the same held true for Ian.

‘Jealousy and Fury within me are feeding on these emotions, too.’

Even without moving, he could feel their power growing stronger. Sloth, which had been subdued by Fury, was beginning to stir once more. But one thing was certain—

‘He’ll be here soon.’

Ian needed to prepare. He turned to the Emperor, whose fierce gaze remained locked on Leonic.

“Your Majesty. The enemy is approaching.”

“Noblesse oblige. Show the world the dignity of the one who stands above all.”

The Emperor’s expression hardened. He turned to the eunuchs beside him and gave a firm command.

“Bring me my armor and sword.”

The eunuchs frantically waved their hands in protest.

“Your Majesty, you’ve only just awakened. You mustn’t overexert yourself!”

“That’s right! Please focus on recovering your strength first…”

The Emperor’s brow twitched. He shot them a stern glare and spoke in a firm tone.

“Silence. My people—my children—are dying. And you want me to protect only myself?”

“Chief Eunuch! Did you not hear my order?”

“I shall obey immediately,” the Chief Eunuch replied without hesitation.

The Emperor’s eyes bore into him—not with kindness, but with restrained fury. Even under the grip of Sloth, he had heard everything. The betrayal of Prince Leonic, and the complicity of the very man who had served at his side. Still, he said nothing of it for now.

“This is all my fault. I will not lay the blame on others. My people come first.”

The eunuchs scrambled to dress him in his armor. Ian stepped forward, his voice low and cautious.

“Sloth hasn’t disappeared. It’s only been suppressed by Fury for now.”

“I understand, Prince Ian. But a ruler—one who stands above his people—must act when it matters. You know that better than most.”

The Emperor drew his sword and took a step forward. But his legs faltered, and he staggered.

The eunuchs rushed toward him in panic.

“You haven’t eaten in days. Your strength is depleted!”

“After years on the throne, your muscles have weakened. Please, allow us to support you—”

But the Emperor pushed their hands away.

“Do not come near me! Any further, and I’ll consider it treason!”

His harsh words left the eunuchs stunned, forcing them to retreat. They dared not provoke his wrath. But the Emperor had no choice.

“I see through your deception all too clearly. Do not come any closer.”

He hadn’t forgotten how he’d been manipulated—how Leonic and the eunuchs had betrayed him during his years of helplessness under Sloth. Still, his body could not move freely. So he turned to Ian.

“Prince Ian, will you support me?” Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs NoveI-Fire.ɴet

“I am a prince of another nation. Are you certain?”

Ian glanced at Leonic. No matter his crimes, he was still the Emperor’s son. Surely he would be the more natural choice. But the Emperor’s answer was firm.

“A man who succumbs to greed and conspires against his own father is nothing like you. If it were you, I would entrust you with my very life.”

“Father… No, Your Majesty… how can you say such a thing…”

At those words, Leonic quickly fell silent.

“Because of you, this nation descended into chaos. I trusted in your talent, only to learn you conspired to seize the throne. You will be punished—after this is over.”

The Emperor’s brow twitched, as though tempted to act then and there. But he turned away. Now was not the time. He extended a hand to Ian.

“Will you allow me to?”

Ian stepped forward and supported the Emperor. Side by side, they began walking toward the palace gates.

A monstrous roar echoed through the air.

The Greed-corrupted giant towered ahead, and toward it walked Ian and the Emperor—on a direct path to Leon.

“Attack! Fire the cannons!”

“Commander! Our attacks aren’t working! It’s too strong!”

At the sound of the soldiers’ frantic cries, Princess Irene’s expression grew grim. Mere moments ago, victory had seemed within reach, thanks to the Light of Cantum. But everything had changed—because of a single overwhelming force.

A giant shrouded in black loomed over the battlefield—far larger than anything they had ever faced. Arrows and even cannonballs bounced off its hide, utterly ineffective. Yet despite its monstrous form, Princess Irene recognized it at a glance.

“Brother Leon… is that really you?”

The giant offered no reply. It continued its relentless assault, tearing through the walls as if nothing could stop it—its clear destination: the Imperial Palace.

At that moment, the First Imperial Princess rushed to Irene’s side.

“Irene! We can’t hold him back much longer!”

“I know, Ran. We need to fall back—for now.”

The Imperial City had multiple layers of defense. Even if the first wall fell, there were second and third lines still standing. Of course, some civilian casualties would be unavoidable.

‘I just hope the preparations Ian asked for are enough…’

Fortunately, precautions had been taken. Unlike the Second Prince, who pursued empty glory under the guise of earning military merit, Ran and Irene had quietly prepared defensive measures in advance. Every trap was laid with precision.

Irene gave the command without hesitation.

“The enemy is too powerful! Retreat to the second defensive line!”

At her order, the soldiers swiftly withdrew from the outer wall.

Leon—transformed into a towering monster—smashed through the defenses. Behind him, a swarm of monsters poured in.

The monsters were savage, their eyes glinting with bloodlust—ready to tear through soldiers and civilians alike.

As if triggered by that very moment, shells rained down from the windows of a nearby residential block. The advancing monsters were immediately swept away by the devastating barrage.

At the sight, Princess Irene raised her voice in defiance.

“Do not falter! This is Cantum! Humans do not yield to monsters!”

The homes had not been abandoned at random. They were part of a carefully set trap, armed with far more than just cannons or arrows. Suddenly, the ground beneath the monsters collapsed.

As the monsters destroyed buildings in their frenzy, green smoke erupted from the wreckage—thick, potent poison filling the air.

The monsters shrieked in agony, writhing as the toxins burned through them. Desperate for strength, they turned toward the civilian zones.

But the streets were empty. The people had already been evacuated beyond the second line of defense—just as Ian had planned. He had ensured the regular troops moved them out well in advance.

Meanwhile, Leon—no longer human—scaled the wall, his monstrous form looming over the battlefield.

Each step of the giant sent homes crumbling into dust. He was so massive that destruction followed in his wake, unintentional yet catastrophic. The soldiers and remaining civilians instinctively held their breath.

“C-Can we even win this…?”

“How do you fight something like that? We’re going to die…”

Panic spread like wildfire. Their careful preparations seemed useless. Their enemy was simply too strong.

Leon noticed it all. Their despair, their helplessness.

The giant’s low, chilling laughter echoed through the city, thick with mockery. The humans couldn’t even lift their weapons. They had been crushed—psychologically—by fear.

And then, a voice broke through the chaos.

“Y-Your Majesty? The Emperor… he’s here!”

A man emerged from within the crowd of soldiers. Though his appearance was gaunt and weary, there was no mistaking who he was—the Emperor of Cantum, the sovereign beloved by his people. His presence alone was enough to reignite the flames of courage among the troops.

“His Majesty is with us!”

“The Emperor chosen by the dragon! Stand tall—take up your weapons!”

“I will assist, Your Majesty,” said Ian, supporting the Emperor, Ian raised the royal sword high. A surge of dark energy coursed along its blade.

Fury answered. A massive black dragon manifested above them, roaring as it coiled through the sky. The Emperor smiled faintly.

“Then I, too, shall lend my strength.”

The crimson-black aura of Fury that had lingered around him slowly faded. In its place, a dark golden energy began to rise—the mark of Sloth.

“I once thought I would die, shackled by this thing,” the Emperor said, voice steady. “But perhaps… it still has a purpose.”

The Emperor’s body sagged under the weight of Sloth, its power once again sapping his strength—but this time, his eyes burned with unwavering resolve.

“A parent must never kneel before their child. Even if I die today—I will fulfill my duty as Emperor.”

Then, with a burst of golden-black power, dark vines erupted from the Emperor’s body.

Moved by the Emperor’s resolve, Ian raised his blade once more and unleashed Fury toward the monstrous Leon.

“Then let our counterattack begin.”

Side by side, the Emperor and prince Ian advanced—charging headlong into the heart of the chaos.

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