Emperor's Reckoning

Chapter 1221: The Lost Age/Beginning Age

The people of Nostria, and indeed the entire Mortal World, were taken aback by the sudden appearance of the floating empire in the sky. Most had long forgotten the tales of Empyrean, dismissing them as mere legends or myths from a bygone era. But as they looked up, they couldn’t help but feel the overwhelming significance of the colossal structure dominating the horizon.

In Nostria, the bustling market came to an abrupt standstill. Merchants halted their haggling, and shoppers froze mid-step, their eyes wide with awe and trepidation. The once lively chatter died down to a stunned silence as everyone turned their gaze skyward.

"What is that?" a young boy asked, tugging on his mother’s sleeve.

"I... I don’t know," she replied, her voice trembling. "But it feels... important."

In the royal garden, Queen Sylviana and her companions were equally captivated. Fei, tending to the flowers, stood with her hands clasped tightly together, her eyes reflecting the grandeur above.

"My lady, do you see that?" Fei whispered, her voice filled with a mix of awe and fear.

Throughout the Mortal World, similar scenes unfolded. In every kingdom, village, and town, people stopped what they were doing to witness the return of Empyrean. Though they couldn’t fully comprehend the significance, an innate sense of reverence and dread washed over them.

Sylviana’s lips gaped open in sheer astonishment. "O-Oi... Did you just bring a whole land?!" she exclaimed, pointing at the floating city that now dominated the sky. Her words were directed towards Lyon, whose presence was undeniable.

Under the grand chandelier of the dining room, the light sparkled off the polished surfaces, casting a warm and inviting glow over the grand feast laid out before them. Lyon and his companions were enjoying their meal, the atmosphere a blend of celebration and camaraderie.

Jugen sat beside his sister, his happiness barely contained as he watched her smile. Her new arm, a marvel of craftsmanship and magic, had returned her to her former self. His joy was palpable, his eyes glistening with tears of gratitude and relief.

Sylviana, on the other hand, was eating quietly, her gaze frequently drifting towards Lyon. Questions etched themselves on her face, curiosity and a hint of apprehension mingling in her eyes. She couldn’t help but be drawn to him, the enigmatic figure who had brought a floating empire back into existence and reclaimed a throne that had long been forgotten.

The table was lively with conversation and laughter. Liu, Kesya, and Harvestasya shared stories and jokes, their spirits high from the recent triumphs. Maria, Cecile, and Selena engaged in a discussion about future plans, their voices a harmonious blend of confidence and strategy.

Lyon, noticing Sylviana’s frequent glances, finally turned his attention to her. "Is there something on your mind, Sylviana?" he asked, his tone gentle but with a hint of amusement.

Sylviana blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I... I was just wondering," she began hesitantly, "how did you manage to bring back Empyrean? It’s a marvel that defies all we know."

Lyon leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Empyrean never truly disappeared," he explained. "It was hidden, waiting for the right moment to return. All it needed was a little push, a spark to reignite its glory."

Fei chipped in, "Young master Lyon, did you know that Empyrean was precisely the place Nostria aspired to be, the one that Sylviana’s father envisioned?"

Cecile raised her brows in surprise, "You know about Empyrean?"

Sylviana nodded, "My father talked about it often."

"I see," Cecile smiled, understanding the connection.

"It was the foundation of his belief," Fei added. "And that will is entrusted to his daughter." She chuckled, a glint of pride in her eyes.

"That’s incredible," said Maria, her excitement evident. "That means your father—"

Cecile quickly kicked Maria’s leg under the table, signaling her to stop. Maria winced slightly, catching Cecile’s warning glance.

"Oh... Never mind," Maria corrected herself, smiling awkwardly.

Sylviana’s expression softened as she looked around the table. "My father always dreamed of a place where peace and prosperity could flourish, where people could live without fear. Seeing Empyrean now, I understand why he held it in such high regard."

Lyon nodded, "Your father had great vision. Empyrean is not just a place; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose."

Fei smiled warmly, "And now, with Empyrean’s return, perhaps Nostria can reach those heights too."

"With all of us working together, anything is possible," Cecile said, her eyes meeting Sylviana’s. "Your father’s dream lives on through you, Sylviana."

"What’s next, young master Lyon?" asked Fei, her question courting the attention of the entire room.

Lyon’s expression grew serious, his words heavy with determination. "I’m going to meet my father, and hopefully, I’ll find Jan in the process."

"Who’s Jan?" asked Sylviana, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Graham’s best friend," replied Lyon.

"No, he is not my best friend," Graham interjected, his face uncharacteristically flustered.

It was a rare sight to see Graham, usually composed and stoic, visibly uncomfortable. The others around the table couldn’t help but chuckle at his reaction.

"Come on, Graham," teased Kesya. "We all know how much you care about Jan."

Graham cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "He is a comrade, nothing more."

Lyon grinned, "Regardless, finding him is crucial. He might be stuck on a tree or something."

Lyon then inquired, "Where is Ryona, Kyoko, and the others?"

Fei responded, "They embarked on a journey of their own, seeking to find their home."

"Oh," Lyon mused, "I never imagined Ryona would leave."

"Miss Kyoko asked to accompany her," Fei continued. "Although she left a message for you."

"Really?" Lyon’s interest was piqued.

"She said not to worry about them," Fei relayed, "She understood that you have your own challenges to confront. Perhaps we will cross paths again once everything is resolved."

"I see," Lyon’s brow furrowed with concern.

"Wait, so your father is alive, and he’s not been looking for you all this time?" Sylviana interjected. "That’s cruel."

"It’s not that he doesn’t want to," Lyon explained with a wry smile, "it’s because he cannot. Meeting him won’t be easy," he added with a sigh.

"Where is your father?" asked Sylviana.

"He is in the Mortal World," answered Maria.

"What?!" Sylviana exclaimed. "He has been living under our noses this whole time?"

"Yes," Maria confirmed. "But to find him, I need to meet the Great Tree, the true Great Tree of the Mortal World, the cause of it all," Lyon added.

"The cause of it all?" Sylviana echoed, puzzled.

"The knowledge of this age has been erased by blood and corpses," Lyon explained. "The lost age, or should I say, the beginning age."

"The beginning age?" Sylviana repeated, her curiosity piqued.

Lyon nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. The history we know is just a fragment of the truth. There were ancient civilizations, powerful beings, and events that have been buried and forgotten. The Great Tree holds the key to that lost knowledge."

Fei’s eyes widened. "You mean to say that all our history, everything we know, is just a part of a much larger story?"

"Exactly," Lyon affirmed. "The true history of the Mortal World is hidden, and the Great Tree is one of the actor."

"But why has this knowledge been hidden?" Sylviana asked. "Why are they not shared and gave enlightment to the Mortal World?"

"Guilt," Maria said, her voice heavy with a burden that seemed older than her years. "The knowledge was hidden because of guilt, a truth buried deep within the foundation of this whole thing." Sylviana frowned, the weight of the word settling in the air between them like dust motes dancing in a forgotten sunbeam. "Guilt? This doesn’t make any sense," she finally ventured, the confusion etched on her face a stark contrast to the conviction in Maria’s eyes. Lyon, ever the pragmatist, cut in, his tone firm. "You don’t need to be burdened with this knowledge at your age, Sylviana. Nor do you need the story behind it, a tale filled with shadows best left undisturbed." Ignoring the protectiveness in his voice for a moment, Sylviana pressed on, her youthful curiosity a spark that refused to be extinguished. "So where is this place exactly? This cornerstone you speak of?" "The cornerstone of the Mortal World," Lyon answered cryptically, his gaze fixed on a distant point beyond the window. Maria, sensing Sylviana’s growing frustration, interjected, urgency lacing her voice. "The Sanctuary," she answered definitively, the word hanging heavy in the air, a promise and a plea rolled into one. The revelation hung between them, thick with unspoken questions and a dawning sense of danger. As the silence stretched, a sliver of moon peeked through the parting clouds, casting an ethereal glow over their faces. In that moonlit tableau, Sylviana knew her life had irrevocably changed. The Sanctuary, a name both alluring and unsettling, beckoned, a mystery waiting to be unraveled.