Chapter 48: Velix’s Terrible Ambition and the Another Hero’s Destiny Holder Beyond the Three Heroes
“The head of the Marquis Leywn family, Guren Leywn, requests permission from His Majesty the Emperor to enter the throne room!”
The sound of the throne room door guard’s voice slightly startled Velix and Jim mid-conversation.
“Oh? Is he already here? Sooner than expected,” Velix remarked, with a hint of playfulness in his tone.
“Come in!” Velix replied in a low tone, the command instantly transmitted through magical sound to the throne room door guard.
Shortly after, the sudden sound of footsteps echoed from the far end of the throne room door.
Velix and Jim turned their attention towards the approaching figure, a strikingly handsome man with golden hair.
Clad in a golden noble robe adorned with white patterns that complemented his perfection and matched the color of his hair and handsome face, the man exuded an air of regal allure.
With his captivating sapphire green eyes and a sardonic smile playing on his lips, he resembled a handsome prince yet bore the demeanor of a charming rogue, a type that most women dreamed of.
Continuing his stride, the man finally came to a halt before Velix. He lifted his face and bowed his head slightly.
“Guren Leywyn, meet Your Majesty the Emperor,” he announced respectfully, a slight smile gracing his lips.
As Velix looked at Guren, a flicker of excitement danced in his eyes, and he nodded in contentment.
“Hahaha! Guren, it’s been too long since our last encounter, and you’re still as healthy and energetic as ever,” Velix exclaimed with hearty laughter, his excitement evident in his tone.
In response, Guren lifted his head slowly, maintaining the sardonic smile on his lips.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. You still appear as healthy and perfect as ever, which brings me great joy,” Guren replied politely and with a hint of lightness.
“Well, naturally, I’m still in good health because, as you know, my ambition to rule the world and eradicate the demon race has yet to be realized, isn’t that so?” Velix remarked casually yet with underlying significance, leaning back against the throne.
“Your Majesty, indeed.” Guren smiled and replied briefly.
Then, Guren turned his gaze towards Jim, extending his hands respectfully.
“Prime Minister, you appear as healthy and steadfast as ever,” Guren greeted Jim politely.
“Thank you, Marquis. Likewise, you seem as resilient as ever,” Jim chuckled, reciprocating the greeting with equal politeness.
After the three exchanged pleasantries, Velix finally broached the topic of their main plan.
“Guren, have you read the letter I sent?” Velix reverted to his usual indifferent and cold demeanor, posing the question curtly.
Upon hearing this, Guren gave a small nod and a smile as he replied, “Of course, Your Majesty. Upon learning of this news, I was indeed taken aback by the demise of Hero Leon at the hands of the new Demon Emperor.”
Guren’s expression instantly shifted to one of sorrow, his disbelief evident.
Velix and Jim, observing Guren’s reaction, understood that he was merely feigning his emotions, yet neither of them attempted to expose his charade.
“Well, that man is already deceased. Therefore, we shall proceed with the 20-year plan, and you shall assume the mantle of the next sword hero, Guren,” Velix stated calmly, a silent smile gracing his lips after his words.
Taking up the mantle as a Sword Hero… If the rest of humanity were to hear such a statement, they would likely deem Velix delusional and deranged.
The status of a hero cannot be conferred or inherited by anyone, as it is intricately tied to the concept of “hero’s destiny.”
The hero’s destiny is a blessing bestowed by the three chosen individuals in each era, and this designation is granted shortly after the birth of these three chosen individuals.
If the heroes perish, the emergence of new heroes must await the arrival of the next era.
This cycle has persisted for 7000 years, seemingly unbreakable.
Naturally, Velix, as the Holy Emperor of the Empire, possessed a deeper understanding of this phenomenon than anyone else!
However, for his deeply ambitious nature, Velix harbored profound dissatisfaction with this eternal cycle!
He sought to shatter this pattern and transform the three heroes of humanity into not only protectors of mankind and slayers of the Demon Emperor, but also instruments of the Holy Empire of Elysium!
There was no mistaking that when he referred to the instruments of the Holy Elysium Empire, he aimed to utilize the heroes to serve him personally and establish dominion over the world!
Regrettably, such a feat was impossible, for one needed to possess the hero’s destiny to be recognized by the three holy weapons and wield the holy power of a hero.
Even if he exerted his power to subdue the heroes, it would prove futile in the face of opposition from the Holy Orthodox.
Furthermore, the heroes’ power is not a fuel-efficient lamp, and Leon serves as a prime example of that.
Fortunately, fate appeared to be strongly in his favor.
Twenty years ago, during the assignment of destinies to the three chosen individuals for the hero roles, a peculiar phenomenon occurred—the emergence of an individual bearing a fourth hero’s destiny, and that individual was none other than the figure of Guren before him.
This unprecedented phenomenon, unseen for 7,000 years since the era of the first three heroes, filled Velix with both horror and excitement!
He even employed all his authority and resources as the Emperor at the time to meticulously conceal the event, ensuring that the Holy Orthodox remained completely unaware of it.
Unfortunately, Velix’s enthusiasm is swiftly quashed by the realization that there are only three holy weapons of mankind, meaning that Guren cannot possibly become a hero under his control.
The only path for this hero-destined Guren to ascend lies in the demise of one of the three heroes acknowledged by mankind’s three holy weapons.
Considering all these factors, Velix regarded Guren before him with a sense of appreciation.
Meanwhile, upon hearing Velix’s words, Guren smiled with excitement, a sense of pride evident on his face.
“Fear not, Your Majesty! I shall rise as the new sword hero in place of Leon Kruger and elevate the Holy Empire of Elysium to unprecedented heights!” Guren declared, his fists clenched tightly, and replied with the utmost respect.
His green eyes gleamed with an unusually intense ambition and arrogance.
The prospect of finally attaining the status of a true hero recognized by the holy weapon was something he couldn’t fathom waiting for!
Previously, he could only harbor envy and resentment towards the three heroes, particularly Leon, who was celebrated as the most talented and beloved hero of their era!
All he could do was watch from a distance, consumed by intense hatred and envy.
Possessing a hero’s destiny yet being unable to fulfill the role of a hero was a genuine curse upon him!
Fortunately, with Leon, the person he detested the most, now deceased, he himself would ascend as the new sword hero!
Velix nodded in satisfaction at Guren’s response, finding assurance in the certainty he sought.
“Good! I appreciate your commitment, and remember, the imminent war will serve as your stage and your opportunity to rise as a sword hero. Don’t squander it,” Velix remarked casually, his head resting lazily.
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Guren replied respectfully, his palms clasped together.
Of course, he comprehended Velix’s intentions perfectly.
This war presented an opportunity for him to earn the admiration and backing of the people, perhaps even the entire human race.
In doing so, he could position himself to be regarded and acknowledged as a worthy substitute for Leon in the eyes of humankind.
Contemplating his forthcoming glory and the immense influence he would wield as a hero over all mankind, a sardonic, wicked smile crept onto Guren’s lips.
“Hehehe… Leon, oh Leon, your destiny and renown shall soon become mine,” he murmured with sinister satisfaction.
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