Chapter 3: The Inferno of Galaxies... and the Roar of the Blazing Lion
Iskander began crushing the mercenary defense forces; their warships were melting under the sheer intensity of his Solar Aura. Mercenary soldiers collapsed, unconscious from the overwhelming pressure, drifting into the void of space like withered autumn leaves. Crowds gathered at the borders of the Mercenary Galaxy, watching from a distance in a darkness pierced only by the radiance of Iskander's aura and the glow of his sword as he tore through fleets and giant foes alike.
Li Wang (The Eastern Emperor) watched the scene with an ancient coldness. Standing beside him was the Elf Prince, heir to the throne of the Cosmic Forests. The Prince, a tall figure with golden hair of ethereal beauty, bowed with respect and spoke:
— "Greetings, My Lord. I haven't seen you in many years. It is an honor to stand before the Elder of Humanity."
The Eastern Emperor replied: "Oh, is that you? The Exalted Elf Prince! I haven't seen you since you were a youth. How are you and your grandfather? Is he still in his seclusion? And how is the Empress?"
The Elf Prince answered: "Yes, My Lord, everyone is well. My deepest condolences for the loss of your cousin Nadia, the Empress of Darkness. My mother said she was like your shadow in her youth. Her death is a loss for the entire universe... But My Lord, will you not join this battle?"
The Eastern Emperor laughed with pride: "Your condolences are accepted. But do you really think Iskander needs me? Even his armies are content to simply guard the ships without attacking. This is a Lion's prey; anyone who approaches will be seen as a hyena trying to steal his kill, and he will tear them apart alongside his victim. The universe will not sleep today until the Lion has his revenge."
The Elf Prince remarked: "Indeed, I see that Lord Iskander's power has surged. The fire of his blade burns through everything. It is the Royal Solar Qi, a force that shakes the very pillars of existence. I only hope he takes his prize without killing the innocent."
The Eastern Emperor laughed with a gravelly tone: "You are still young, child. Iskander hasn't even used his full strength yet, and there are no 'innocents' on the mercenary planets. They are all dogs of coin; their blood isn't enough to pay the debt for Nadia. Nadia was a lifeline for many of the weak. Do you think peace will return after her disappearance? No, little one—this is a coming war that will be paid for by the innocent, the wicked, and the noble alike."
Meanwhile, in a one-sided slaughter, Iskander stained the void with the blood of mercenaries. Their remains scattered into the abyss; even if the greatest painters drew a mural of this massacre, they could never do its gore justice. Iskander roared as he moved toward the second galaxy in the mercenary cluster:
— "Ancestors and Elders of the Mercenary Council! If you do not bring out your cur of a leader, I will annihilate your lineage and turn your grandchildren into fodder for my descendants like sheep!"
The moment the Giant Elders heard his voice, they all emerged from their seclusion. The great giants stood before him, and from among them stepped an elderly man with a massive frame, a black beard, and a body covered in tattoos. He was known as "The Iron One."
The Iron One spoke with gravity: "Greetings, Emperor Iskander. I am the Great Giant, the former leader and head of the Mercenary Council."
Iskander cut him off with a roar: "I don't care for your titles! I told you, bring me the dog!"
The Iron One replied: "The Council of Giants had nothing to do with this mission. Empress Nadia held favor with us all. If the current leader approved this deed on his own, then you may wipe out his line and family; we shall not interfere."
He then pointed toward a nearby planet and said: "I heard from the servants that he is there, recovering with his father. But beware—his father is one of the Ancestors and a former leader himself."
Iskander spoke with fury: "I know his father well; he served in my father's army. But that will not shield them! How did your Council allow your dog to enter my lands and kill a member of my family? Did you think the House of the Lion had grown weak in your eyes?"
The Iron One: "No, My Lord, we would never dare. Our Council has always had good relations with humans, but there is an internal split; a faction seeks control, and we have no hand in your wars of succession. We will direct you to his stronghold, and we will not intervene, even if you wish to erase them."
Iskander said sharply: "You are a talkative old man. Lead the way to your dog's lair, immediately!"
Everyone moved. Suddenly, one of the Mercenary Elders sensed a powerful presence watching from afar and realized it was the Eastern Emperor. He rushed toward him, head bowed: "My Lord Eastern Emperor, Sovereign of Martial Arts... our lands are honored by your presence, Elder of Humanity."
The Eastern Emperor hummed with contempt: "Ah, the foxes of the Council. Why are you crawling before me like dogs?"
The Elder said: "My Lord, we served you in many of your conquests; we were your sword. Please, stop this genocide."
The Elf Prince smiled but remained silent. The Eastern Emperor replied harshly: "You dogs, do you not have a pact with the Central Planets not to interfere in wars of succession?"
The Elder: "Yes, My Lord, we have a pact."
The Eastern Emperor: "Did I not tell you last time that if you interfered in the affairs of us humans, we would wipe you out?" He then released a pulse of his aura until the Elder spat blood, continuing: "Thank the Heavens that it wasn't I who took up the banner of vengeance today, or I would have erased you from existence. Nadia was my cousin and my mentor; she was a younger sister who learned under my very eyes—and you ask me to intervene for you? Get out of my sight, you foul fox!"
The Elf Prince said: "Your aura is affecting even me. Please, calm yourself."
The Eastern Emperor laughed: "Forgive me, little one. That fox made me nauseous. Let us catch up to Iskander."
Before they could leave, a ship intercepted them, and five War Sovereigns (Stage 1) emerged—graduates of the War Academy. The Eastern Emperor looked at them and asked: "What are the Generals of the War Sovereign Court doing here?"
A General stepped forward and said: "Greetings, Master. Your tenth student salutes you. The Court sent us to guard your back and handle the cleanup."
The Eastern Emperor let out a laugh that shook the reaches of space: "Guard my back? You hungry wolves! Even though I raised you with my own hands, you are a disappointment. If I could turn back time, I would have let you die on your mortal planet before letting you serve the dogs of the Court. Get out of my face! Tell the Court that the Eastern Emperor tells you: This is not a war for occupation or resources; this is revenge for Nadia. If I find one of your dogs in my sight, I will slaughter you and drink the blood of your Elders from their own skulls! Iskander's back is protected by me; he does not need you."
The General said, broken: "Yes, My Lord. I am sorry for the passing of Lady Nadia. I will deliver your message." He then ordered the forces to withdraw.
The Eastern Emperor turned to his companion and said: "Let's go, Prince."