CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 754: Cynthia [Castle Bonus - ]

Within the very same Awakener Association Building where the Principals of the various Academies were engaged in their own discussions, another meeting was slated to commence, this time on an even higher floor.

In a sprawling chamber, four grandiose thrones were positioned around a central, circular glass table. However, these seats remained vacant, awaiting the arrival of their intended occupants. Presently, the chamber door creaked open, and a man made his entrance. He had brown hair and eyes that matched his attire.

Zolthemir Lux Vanthelmor, the esteemed Emperor of the Zarethorne Empire.

Emperor Zolthemir had also arrived the previous day, accompanying Cindralis, as their paths were converging on the same destination. They had simply opted to travel together.

'It appears I am the first to grace this gathering,' Zolthemir mused internally before proceeding with calm composure towards one of the thrones. Locating his name etched onto a seat, he settled in without preamble.

Precisely two minutes later, the chamber doors opened once more. A resonant voice boomed through the room as the guards stationed outside heralded a new arrival.

"Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos of the Vandross Empire of the East has arrived," the voice proclaimed, its clarity echoing expansively.

Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos entered with an air of effortless grace. A resplendent crown adorned his head, and an Imperial Royal cape cascaded behind him with every measured step. His hair was a vibrant orange, his eyes a striking red, and his entire demeanor exuded an aura of tranquil control.

The instant Aetherion stepped inside, his gaze met Zolthemir's, who initially gave no indication of acknowledgement. Emperor Aetherion offered a faint smile before proceeding towards his designated throne and taking his seat. It was only upon Aetherion's seating that Emperor Zolthemir finally directed his attention towards him.

Though no words were exchanged, an immediate, palpable tension seemed to permeate the chamber.

The reason for this subtle animosity was straightforward. The Vandross Empire had covertly deployed soldiers disguised as bandits into the Zarethorne Empire. This maneuver, however, was merely a calculated diversion, a feint. After all, an operation capable of assaulting eight Noble Households would not be casually listed within the Star Academy’s Logistics and Mission Operation Hall.

Thus, the disguised bandits served as bait, designed to simulate routine probing actions by the Vandross Empire, while the true, formidable main force remained concealed, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to strike.

Yet, the outcome resulted in mutual losses, with the Vandross Empire bearing the brunt of casualties among its elite soldiers. Despite their failure to completely subjugate the eight Noble Households, their own invading forces were ultimately annihilated by Emperor Zolthemir himself. At that juncture, his fury had been incandescent, compounded by his drive to salvage the tarnished public image of the Imperial family.

"Empress Nymeria Sol Virelle of the Velkarin Empire of the South has arrived," the voice announced once more, its pitch unwavering.

A woman entered with exceptional grace, her dark complexion flawless, her bearing radiating absolute authority. Her black hair was styled like a regal crown, and her dark eyes mirrored the profound depths of the endless void. She calmly navigated towards her seat, crossing one leg over the other, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh. Her hips and thighs were undeniably captivating.

Less than a minute elapsed before the final designation was proclaimed.

"Overlord Cynthia Wrath Chillstorm of the Thalvorn Empire of the North has arrived."

A woman strode into the chamber, and from the very moment she entered, the entire atmosphere within the room seemed to subtly, yet decisively, shift. Her violet hair cascaded down her back like a river of spun silk, while her yellow eyes held an indescribable, potent pressure. As she entered, all eyes instinctively turned towards her.

Among the four luminaries gathered, she was undeniably the most formidable.

When FatelessPen once remarked that the Overlord’s dominion over the Thalvorn Empire was the stuff of legends, his words were anything but an exaggeration.

Cynthia Wrath Chillstorm did not inherit her power; nay, she seized it through her own indomitable will and overwhelming might.

Her family had been massacred by Nobles, and from that tragic day forward, her destiny underwent a radical transformation. She personally initiated a war against the Thalvorn Empire’s previous ruling family, single-handedly… and emerged victorious. She usurped control of the Thalvorn Empire, instituted the revolutionary Rings formation, and was the architect behind the establishment of the Awakener Association itself. All these monumental achievements were undertaken in a dedicated effort to diminish the number of individuals who might suffer a fate as horrific as her own.

Only a select few individuals had ever been recognized as standing on equal footing with Azaron Wargrave. While some asserted that Azaron would still emerge victorious, others maintained that such debates were meaningless until a direct confrontation. Regardless of these opinions, one undeniable truth persisted: she operated on the very same plane of power as Azaron.

Indeed, a person bearing a name like "Cynthia Wrath Chillstorm" was never destined for a mundane existence. Cynthia's very presence was a significant factor in shaping Zolthemir into the man he became. The legends of her single-handedly conquering an entire Empire fueled Zolthemir's desire to curb the Wargrave family's influence, fearing a similar fate for the Zarethorne Empire.

Naturally, Zolthemir wasn't alone in his caution. Centuries prior, during Cynthia's era of conquest, the other three Empires grew apprehensive, ensuring no one else would harbor dangerous ambitions and "grow wings" as Cynthia had.

However, Cyrvexis Lux Vanthelmor shared a history of close friendship with Azaron's father and grandfather, thus no animosity ever arose from their side. No suppression was ever initiated, as the Wargraves held no true desire for imperial rule, provided their Ducal title and authority remained intact.

With everyone settled, the meeting commenced in earnest.

"It has been some time since we convened like this," declared Overlord Cynthia, her calm smile gracing her lips. Despite her title, she wasn't an eternally stoic figure. Her path, though marked by bloodshed, allowed her to smile and laugh freely, eschewing a permanently stern demeanor.

"Indeed," Empress Nymeria Sol Virelle concurred, a smile also gracing her features.

"Emperor Zolthemir, I understand your twins are participating in this tournament's next phase. I eagerly anticipate witnessing their performance," remarked Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos, delicately sipping the tea served by the attendants.

"Quite so. A shame that a certain individual lacks talented offspring capable of representing his Bloodline," Emperor Zolthemir retorted serenely, refusing to yield an inch.

Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos faltered momentarily upon hearing this barb.

"At least my Empire is properly managed, unlike someone whose Imperial Palace was ravaged and who suffered defeat at the hands of a mere Duke," he swiftly countered, not missing a beat. He was absolutely determined not to lose another verbal exchange to Zolthemir.

___