The Ruler's Judgment

Chapter 12: The Ruler's Judgment

Riya's gaze fell to the Homunculus — the boy barely clinging to life, a hole in his chest crudely stitched shut by Siegfried's

last sacrifice.

Astolfo was trembling. "Please," he whispered hoarsely. "Save him."

Riya frowned.

He hadn't come here to save anyone. He didn't want to play the hero. He wanted one thing: to return home. To fix the distorted timeline, no matter the cost.

But if saving this Homunculus — was part of that path, then so be it.

Not because it was right.

Because it was necessary.

He turned, fixing Darnic with a cold stare. "Tell me," Riya said. "Why do you need this Homunculus?"

Avicebron stepped forward, voice detached, explaining the nature of his Noble Phantasm: Golem Keter Malkuth. A construct meant to recreate the miracle of life itself. A supreme golem, using the Homunculus as a living core.

"And once complete?" Riya asked.

"It will surpass humanity," Avicebron said simply. "Guide mankind to a new Eden..."

There it was.

The reason the Revelation Skill had led him here.

Riya clicked his tongue in irritation. "Unacceptable," he said, almost bored. "I'm stopping it."

"I don't care what you think," Riya said. "As Ruler, I deem this threat to humanity itself."

Avicebron's hands tightened into fists, but before he could speak, Vlad Tepes raised a hand.

"If the Ruler has judged," Vlad said, his voice low and grim, "we are bound to accept."

Darnic looked ready to explode, but even he wasn't foolish enough to argue against both Ruler authority and Vlad's will.

Without waiting for any more debate, Riya walked to the wounded Homunculus. Muramasa followed silently behind, and without hesitation, scooped the boy into his arms.

The Homunculus whimpered weakly but said nothing.

Astolfo stepped forward — but Riya shot him a glance.

"You," Riya said flatly, "stay."

Astolfo's eyes widened. "But—"

"You're contracted to the Black Faction," Riya said sharply. "You're no good to him."

Astolfo's hands trembled at his sides... but after a long moment, he bowed his head. Silent tears fell. "Please protect him."

Muramasa shifted the Homunculus carefully, holding him like a fragile piece of glass.

Without a backward glance, Riya turned and began walking without saying a word.

Out of the forest.

Away from the Black Faction.

Away from the mess — for now.

As they left, the first rays of the sun pierced the dark woods.

Riya glanced up briefly.

"Dammit I missed my chance to sleep."