In the land belonging to the human race in this world, there lay hundreds of kingdoms and hundreds of kings. But everyone acknowledged one true emperor of all humans in the world. His name is Emperor Louis Strongheart.
Five hundred years ago, after emerging victorious in the battle of all races, he successfully united every single king under his banner to form the Human Empire.
He is worshipped by his people, who claim that he is the "Saviour of Humanity." But no one in this world has been able to ignore the passage of time.
Year 500, New Era Calendar
Tonight, there was a silent chaos in the capital city of the empire known as Dream City.
"A city where one could fulfil their wildest of dreams"—this was the description given by the scholars after its founding by the Emperor 500 years ago.
But tonight, the city would be unable to perceive any dream because of dreadful news.
"The Emperor is in a life-death situation after a battle." Many who first heard it doubted their ears, which was obvious because the masses had also recognised the Emperor as the "Strongest Creature" on the planet.
But the ones close to him understood that no one could remain the strongest throughout their lives. Ultimately, time would erode every living thing.
This night, in the throne room of the Emperor, the main throne was empty, while there were five thrones on each side of the main throne below the platform.
Nine out of ten thrones were occupied.
On six thrones, men were seated, while three had females on them. Each of them was quite handsome or beautiful. When asked to guess their ages, one would estimate them to be in their early thirties or early forties.
The oldest-looking one among them spoke:
"Since the Royal Father has suffered grave wounds in his battle, we can all say that his lifespan is now coming to an end."
He stopped, now trying to judge others' reactions to his words. When no one interrupted, he continued to speak,
"Therefore, as the eldest prince of this empire, I propose to take over the position of Crown Prince."
As soon as his words ended, the room was silent. But in an instant, the whole room was filled with a heavy aura, which was directed at the prince.
One of the other princes spoke,
"Elder brother Sommers, you sure are delusional. Do you think your age makes you automatically qualify for the position? Hahahaha! You are currently 400 years old and have barely managed to reach the 'Early Orange' stage of mana core."
Hearing this, Sommers' face twisted in anger and he growled,
"So what, Ethan? I am still stronger than you lot. Therefore, I am qualified for the position."
Before Ethan could reply, another aura filled the room. Unlike before, the aura now was filled with absolute authority, as if the person exuding it carried God's decree itself.
A figure walked up to the royal throne, and everyone else in the room bowed toward him.
> "We all greet the Royal Father.
"Emperor Louis Strongheart was a man whose true age was above 1000 years, but he looked to be a man in his 50s. With a handsome face and sharp, discerning eyes, he had the figure of someone suitable to rule over the masses.
He sat down on the throne and spoke:
> "Whatever you all were discussing right now is true. After all, I have less than 20 years to live due to the injuries I sustained this time."
Hearing this, everyone showed various reactions. Though most of them were concealing it, Louis managed to discern the faces of joy from the few with genuine concern.
He sighed and continued speaking,
> "According to tradition, I would need to make my eldest child the next Crown Prince."
His words made the first prince Sommers' face light up with joy.
> "But now, the situation I have faced does not demand me to respect tradition. Hence, I have decided that you all will need to compete among yourselves for the throne."
Hearing this, the joyful face of Sommers was now filled with dismay, while others were looking at him disdainfully.
> "However, the war will only start 15 years from now, due to various reasons that I cannot disclose to you all right now."
Everyone's faces were filled with confusion, but they did not question him, as his words were the law.
Right now, the Emperor was looking silently at the empty seat in the room. A sigh escaped from his mouth, and he left for his chamber.
With that, a decision that would influence the lives of all the humans under his regime was made by the Emperor.
Though the normal civilians would not know this until 15 years later.