Chapter 103: Curse & Familiar Face
The throne room of the Sun Palace fell silent, the weight of Emperor Ar’den Gel Sol’aris’s presence commanding every breath. His ethereal voice, resonant with divine authority, addressed Baines. "I was saddened to hear you missed the tournament, but striking a blow against our enemies is an ample apology."
Nods rippled through the court, ministers and sun-ranked nobles affirming the emperor’s words.
"I grant you One Sun, effective immediately," he declared, his gaze shifting to an aide. "Recommend him to the Red Sun."
The Red Sun, the empire’s elite force, led by an Imperial Commander, was a name that sparked awe.
Whispers stirred, but a group of red-and-gold-clad eunuchs stepped forward, prostrating themselves. "Your Highness, forgive us lowly ones, but the Red Sun requires mastery of both aura and mana. Jin is renowned only for his aura."
"He doesn’t know magic," another added, the realization dawning on the court. Baines’s achievements had dazzled them, but the Red Sun’s dual requirement was non-negotiable. He had to learn to use both.
Another minister proposed, "Your Highness, he should spend at least a year at the Imperial Academy to learn magic."
The emperor paused, his luminous eyes studying Baines.
A faint cough escaped him; however, the room’s anticipation drowned it out. "Then it is decided. Jin, you will spend a year at the academy, then join the Red Sun— *cough*" Another cough cut him off, masked by a resounding applause.
Baines glanced up, his soul energy subtly activated, revealing a truth hidden in the emperor’s aura.
’The emperor is sick.’ His gaze flicked to the three princes and princesses on their lesser thrones, their souls tinged with the same affliction.