Chapter 6: The Empire Trembles

The aftermath of the duel between Frank Luminous and Duke Reynard sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. Nobles whispered in hushed voices, merchants spread rumors like wildfire, and even the Imperial Palace couldn't ignore what had transpired.

A Fearful Emperor

Inside the grand halls of the Imperial Palace, Emperor Regulus sat on his throne, his expression grim. His advisors stood before him, their faces pale with uncertainty.

One of the ministers hesitantly spoke, "Your Majesty, about the recent duel... should we—"

"Silence." The Emperor's voice was cold and heavy. "I saw it with my own eyes. That boy… Frank Luminous… is not someone we can afford to offend."

The advisors exchanged nervous glances. The Emperor was a man who had conquered nations, silenced rebellions, and held absolute authority over the Empire. Yet, today, he sounded afraid.

A bold general stepped forward, his voice filled with doubt. "But Your Majesty, he did nothing except stop an attack. How can we be certain of his power?"

The Emperor's eyes flashed dangerously.

"Then tell me," he said slowly, "how did he stop an enchanted sword capable of cutting through steel without even lifting a finger?"

The general had no answer.

The Emperor sighed and leaned back on his throne. "For now, we do nothing. We observe."

His gaze darkened. "If Frank Luminous desires the throne, there is no one in this world who can stop him."

The Nobles' Secret Meeting

Meanwhile, in an underground chamber hidden beneath the capital, several nobles had gathered in secret.

Duke Reynard sat at the head of the table, his face pale and drenched in sweat. He had not spoken since the duel. His hands trembled, as if he had witnessed something beyond human comprehension.

A young noble scoffed. "Why are you so shaken? That lazy noble must have used some trick!"

Duke Reynard slowly turned his head, his bloodshot eyes glaring at the fool.

"A trick?" His voice was hoarse. "That was not a trick. That was absolute suppression."

Silence filled the room.

Another noble hesitated before speaking, "Then… what do we do? If he really is that powerful…"

An older noble, Count Bertram, slammed his fist on the table. "We must find a way to control him! If we can't defeat him, then we must bring him to our side."

A few nodded in agreement, but Duke Reynard only laughed bitterly.

"Control him?" he muttered. "Did you not see? Even the gods might fear him."

His words sent a chill through the room.

For the first time, the noble families of the Empire realized they had no power over Frank Luminous.

Back at Luminous Manor

Frank was exactly where he always was—lounging on his couch, flipping through a book while eating snacks.

Elise, his ever-loyal maid, stood nearby, watching him carefully.

"Young Master," she finally spoke, "you really should have just ignored that challenge."

Frank yawned. "I did ignore it."

Elise sighed. "Then why did you accept it?"

Frank turned a page. "Because it was easier that way."

Easier?

Elise clenched her fists. "Young Master… do you even care that the entire Empire is terrified of you now?"

Frank finally looked up from his book, his golden eyes gleaming. "Is that my problem?"

Elise froze.

It was a simple question, but one with profound meaning.

The Empire feared him. The nobles plotted against him. The Emperor himself was wary of him.

But none of that mattered to Frank Luminous.

He was above them.

He had been born into this world as an immortal being, beyond gods and mortals alike. Their fears, their ambitions, their politics—none of it concerned him.

Elise finally sighed and sat down across from him.

"...You really just want to read, sleep, and eat, don't you?"

Frank smirked. "Finally, you understand."

Elise shook her head. "Unfortunately, I don't think they'll let you."

Frank didn't reply.

Deep down, he knew she was right.

The world would not let him stay in the shadows forever.

Far Beyond the Mortal Realm

High above the mortal plane, within the celestial halls of the gods, a group of divine beings gathered in concern.

An ancient god with golden wings spoke first. "Frank Luminous… we must not interfere."

Another god, cloaked in shadows, growled in frustration. "If he continues to exist, our power will fade into nothingness!"

A goddess with silver eyes gazed into the void. "Do you think we can erase him?"

Silence.

The gods looked at each other.

They all knew the truth.

No one—not gods, not demons, not the laws of existence themselves—could erase Frank Luminous.

He was a being beyond the concept of death.

A deity shrouded in flames finally spoke. "...Then we wait. And pray he never becomes interested in ruling over us."

For the first time in eternity…

The gods feared a mortal.

Back on Earth, in Luminous Manor

Frank stretched lazily and set his book aside.

Another peaceful day.

Another day where the world feared him, plotted against him, and whispered his name in awe.

But he didn't care.

He just wanted to sleep.