Chapter 6: Rediscovery and Determination

In a world where you find yourself failing and falling behind others, don't quit. It's just time to rediscover who you are. Don't just begin from where you failed; begin from the beginning. It's never too late to begin very anew. It seems Kyrian has to start from the very beginning. This is not only his journey but also the journey of his friends, and perhaps even yours.

"Shut the fuck up!" Kyrian shouted as he stood up, glaring at them. "Listen to me, I am not the real Kyrian you know."

"What!?" they both exclaimed.

"The real Kyrian is dead," he finally said.

"Ahhhhhhhh...huhhhhhh," they laughed hard at him.

"Stop!!! You will not laugh at your emperor!" he screamed. Another round of laughter erupted. Suddenly, the sound of a breaking door and smoke filled the room. Lira, Aurelius, Arric, and the guards entered the room, standing side by side as their suits brought out fighting instruments.

Elena and Lucius did the same. Kyrian didn't know what to do. What about a spell? Yes, a spell might work. Maybe then they'll see he's a true emperor. Just then, Soren barged in with the space marines. "What is going on here?" Soren demanded. They quickly retreated.

"Father!" Elena rushed to hug him.

"We are returning to the Apex Predator ship," Soren said.

"What happened to our starship?" Elena asked.

"It's destroyed. We were saved just in time; the enemies have retreated," Soren replied.

"Are we heading home?" Lira asked.

"No, we're heading back to our military camp on the Krythos planet," Soren said, leading them out.

"In the next battle, are we fighting?" Arric asked.

"No, Your Highness, only if you upgrade your cultivation level," Soren said as they were entering.

"You can't say no to me; I am a prince," Arric said arrogantly.

"And I am the officer in the ship," Soren said. They all entered, and he signaled to them to close the ship down. The pilots were ready for the signal. Soren placed his finger on a console. "Let's move into the light. Do you copy?"

"He's talking to his hand. What's wrong with Soren?" Kyrian murmured.

"He's giving orders!" Lucius said as they walked away to one of the rooms. Elena signaled for him to follow, and he answered.

Lucius was running his hand over a sci-fi gadget, and a screen emerged in the air.

"What is he doing?" Kyrian questioned.

Elena smiled, playing with his chin. Kyrian snatched away. "He's a gamer. Lucius has Yhpax Eternal, a sacred game created by us with Lucius' suggestions. It allows all beings to prove their worth and potentially ascend to godhood. The game is a testing ground for cultivators, where they can demonstrate their strength, strategy, and character. It upgrades your cultivation. You're not really interested in hearing this; you call it bullshit," Elena said, curious.

"Let me tell you a secret. We're sorry to keep this from you. We're both at the top level, grade 5. We kept it secret for the next battle where we'll show our might and get rewarded," Lucius said.

"You mean _Khaosynthesis_ Apex Level - Grade: S? Ahhh... I have reached the last pinnacle of cultivation," Kyrian said, finally laughing at them as they laughed at him. He was annoyed but became serious after hearing one word. "Wait, you guys in this universe fight for rewards? While we fight to protect the universe? Something is wrong," Kyrian said, holding his head tightly.

"Lucius, I'm serious. Something is wrong. We all know Kyrian doesn't read ancient texts. How did he know all this?" Elena questioned as they both moved closer to him.

"Who are you?" Elena asked gently.

"I am Emperor Kyrian!" he said with a serious shout and a threatening look. Elena and Lucius stood still for a second and then laughed hard.

"I'm going crazy, I'm going crazy," Kyrian said, holding his head, watching Elena and Lucius, who were already into the game for practice.

He ran out of the room.