CHAPTER 151 – FOREVERMORE
HIRAYA MISTELTEIN
This is a monumental day for humanity. After four long months of being without a leader, the people have finally elected a representative who will guide mankind in this new era. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and excitement as leaders from all races gather in the new grand Alterran Royal Palace, nestled in the heart of Goldcliff City.
The illustrious assembly includes the head priest of Onishira, the Queen of Nocturnia, and the Admiral General of Kraghelm. Additionally, I have extended an invitation to the Elder of Yggdra to partake in this significant event. Representing the werewolf race is Duke Wolvesbane, Johnny’s venerable grandfather. The mermaid race, teetering on the brink of extinction, will temporarily merge with other races until they can repopulate and reclaim their leadership.
The palace is abuzz with activity. Media personnel scurry about, adjusting their cameras to capture the event for an international broadcast. The dukes and duchesses of humanity are in attendance, adorned in their finest tuxedos and elegant dresses. The grand chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the hall, illuminating the rich red carpet that lines the floor.
The air is thick with murmurs and whispers. As I sharpen my hearing, I try to discern the fragmented conversations swirling around me amidst the gathering.
“Do you know who the new emperor is?” one voice inquires.
“No, have you?” another responds.
“Nobody has seen his face. Nobody has even heard his name.”
“We don’t even know if it’s an emperor or an empress.”
“How did he or she come up as our leader anyway? I was told that Empress Elkyria had no heirs.”
“Just who is this new emperor? I hope they lead us to a brighter future.”
Lysander glanced at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he undoubtedly deduced that I was trying to eavesdrop on the human dukes and duchesses.
“So, what did you discover, Lord Eavesdropper?” Lysander teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
I shook my head in response. “Not even the human dukes and duchesses know the identity of the new emperor. And that is incredibly peculiar.” Crossing my arms and resting my chin in my hand, I continued, “How can the new emperor assume control of humanity without the approval of the dukes? Unless… he or she has a birthright.”
“They say humanity will continue as an empire and not a republic, so it means the new emperor or empress must indeed have a birthright,” Lysander replied. Then, furrowing his brows, he added, “I kind of have a bad feeling about this.”
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“You mean the King of Humanity?” Johnny interjected in a hushed tone. Catching their conversation, I leaned in to listen more intently.
“Yes. Gazelle is terrified of this King of Humanity. But who could it possibly be?” Lysander wondered aloud.
Suddenly, a loud announcement from a human military general echoed throughout the grand throne room.
“Presenting his imperial majesty!”
The trumpets blared triumphantly, the orchestra struck up a ceremonial melody, and the flag of the Empire of Alterra was hoisted high as the new emperor made his grand entrance.
Soft, light footsteps could be heard approaching the stage. As the slender figure emerged, the audience collectively gasped in astonishment. With blonde hair and piercing gray eyes, the new emperor's handsome, pale face was unmistakable. Clad in a school uniform that was all too familiar—a uniform from Tasty Town's Magic High School—the sight left everyone in awe and disbelief.
However, among those in shock, it was the original members of the Daybreaker Squad who were most astounded. Our eyes widened in disbelief at the revelation before us.
“H-Huh?” Kate scratched the back of her head, her gaze fixed on the slim figure. “Isn’t that—”
“W-Why?” Gaeun murmured shyly, her voice barely audible.
“What the hell!?” Charlotte gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
“N-No way…” I muttered, my mind reeling. “How can this be?”
As the blonde new emperor settled into the golden throne, he made himself comfortable before offering a serene smile.
“Greetings. I am the new emperor of the Holy Empire of Alterra. My name is Arthurius Elkyria Neos, the firstborn of the late Empress Serenity Elkyria and Emperor-Consort Cleru Neos. I am the legitimate emperor who deserves to rule over the Empire of Alterra and all of humanity.”
His movements, his body build, and even his facial expressions were unmistakable. This was the same person I knew from Tasty Town’s Magic High School. He had served on the Student Council for years, so there was no way I could mistake him for anyone else.
Among those who were shocked, Lysander appeared the most surprised. He slowly stepped forward, his eyes locked on his high school best friend.
“Arthur!” Lysander smiled broadly. “Is that really you? You’re alive?”
Arthur looked at Lysander and smiled warmly. “Yes, Lysander. I am. I rose from the bowels of hell intact.”
“I’m so glad you’re alive, Arthur. But aren’t you taking this joke a bit too far?” Lysander chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re risking your neck for clowning around on the emperor’s seat.”
“I am telling the truth. The name Arthur Castamere was merely an alias I adopted to live among normal people in Tasty Town while I was in exile. But my birthright remains intact,” Arthur declared with unwavering conviction.
“Exiled?” I asked, my voice filled with confusion and curiosity.
“Yes, Vice-Prez,” Arthur replied, his tone solemn. “As I mentioned, I am the firstborn of the Emperor and the Empress. I was exiled the moment I killed the Goddess Exceria in the Demonic Cathedral, twenty-two years ago.”
“Don’t make up these stories, you jokester!” Lysander shouted, his face a mix of anger and disbelief. “Twenty-two years ago, you're just an itch on your father's ballsack!”
“Not if I had access to Regression Magic,” Arthur countered with a grin.
A chilling cold swept through the room, sending shivers down our spines. The mere mention of Regression Magic sent a wave of realization through us. Arthur knew too much—perhaps even more than we did. He might be the missing link that could explain the creation and discovery of Regression Magic.
“Arthur, are you—” I began to ask, but he cut me off.
“That’s right, Vice-Prez. You’re still the most beautiful and brightest person I know. You nailed it. I am the one who created the Regression Magic. I am the one who gave the intel to the Erudites in the Previous Timeline. I am the one who engineered the reversal of time so that humanity could survive.”
Suddenly, an obsidian orb manifested on Arthur’s forehead, glowing ominously.
“And I am the King of Humanity’s Wickedness, the one who shall rule the world. Forevermore.”