(Early next morning, StrongHaven City)
As Leo arrived at the Western Gate of StrongHaven City alongside Dumpy, the sight that unfolded before him was something he could never have anticipated in a million years.
Leo had always assumed that "welcomed with a red carpet" was just a metaphor—a throwaway phrase meant to convey respect and grandeur.
So, when he had texted ChaosBringer a day ago, informing him that he expected to be welcomed with a red carpet, he had spoken figuratively. However, it seemed ChaosBringer had taken it quite literally.
Stretching out from the massive, splintered gates of StrongHaven City and running straight into the heart of the fortress was an actual velvety red carpet. Its deep crimson hue was pristine, unmarred by dust or blood, making it seem almost absurdly out of place amidst the war-torn ruins surrounding it.
On either side of the carpet, thousands of rebel soldiers stood in perfect formation. They had been thoroughly instructed on how to greet Lord Boss when he passed and had been forced to tidy themselves up and look presentable for today's ceremony.
Now, as they stood waiting for Leo to pass them, their armor gleamed with a spotless shine, their weapons were sheathed in ceremonial fashion, and their faces bore expressions etched with a mix of awe and reverence.
They stood shoulder to shoulder, forming an unbroken corridor of steel and loyalty.
Ribbit.
Dumpy let out an impressed croak, his wide swamp-frog eyes blinking at the extravagant scene before them. Leo, on the other hand, could only sigh internally.
"You've outdone yourself, ChaosBringer," he muttered.
As if summoned by his name, ChaosBringer appeared, flanked on either side by two of the most strikingly beautiful rebels to join the uprising—at least by conventional beauty standards. Yet, despite their presence, it was ChaosBringer who commanded attention.
His makeup was flawless—a pristine canvas of dark lines and sharp angles accentuated his angular face. His regal, dark robes billowed slightly in the faint breeze, and his golden pauldrons caught the light with every movement.
He walked with a practiced grace, his sharp eyes scanning the soldiers, occasionally pausing to scold one who dared slouch even slightly.
But the moment ChaosBringer caught sight of Leo approaching, all that composed grandeur seemed to crumble away.
In one fluid motion, ChaosBringer dropped to his knees and then fully prostrated himself on the crimson carpet, his forehead touching the ground, as his voice trembled with reverence.
"My lord, my ruler, rightful master of this Empire," ChaosBringer said, his voice carrying across the silent ranks of soldiers. "Your loyal servant has awaited your arrival with bated breath. The throne of StrongHaven City is yours, as it was always destined to be. I beg your forgiveness for making you wait even a moment longer for your crown."
The silence that followed was profound. Thousands of soldiers watched, holding their breath, awaiting Leo's response.
Dumpy let out another croak—this one almost sounding…judgmental.
Leo stepped forward, his boots sinking slightly into the plush carpet. His piercing gaze falling upon ChaosBringer, who still hadn't lifted his head.
"Rise, ChaosBringer," Leo said, his voice calm but firm. "You've done well. Better than most could have managed. Be proud of what you achieved here."
ChaosBringer's shoulders visibly relaxed as he slowly rose to his feet, though he kept his head slightly bowed in deference.
"Thank you, Lord Boss. Today, all of this—all of StrongHaven City—stands as a testament to your vision. Please… the throne awaits you."
Leo allowed himself a small smirk as he walked past ChaosBringer, his black robe trailing behind him as he stepped further onto the grand carpeted path.
The crowd of soldiers erupted in synchronized chants.
"LORD BOSS! LORD BOSS! LORD BOSS!"
"EMPEROR! EMPEROR! EMPEROR!"
The sound thundered through the ruined streets of StrongHaven City, shaking stone and stirring ash.
With Dumpy hopping dutifully beside him and ChaosBringer falling into step just a pace behind, Leo began his procession toward the fortress—the throne of StrongHaven awaiting him at the end of the path.
"First Brigade, Salute your EMPEROR on my command, 3…2…1… GO!"
*THUD*
*SWOOSH*
As Leo covered a miniscule distance of 20 meters, the captain of the first Brigade demanded that his brigade salute their emperor, and as asked, the soldiers all stomped their right foot and unsheathed their weapons to create a guard of honor for where Leo walked.
A soft smile spread on Leo's face, watching this greeting, as this was a scene straight out of a cliche movie that he never expected to repeat in real life.
It was every man's dream to become King one day, however, not many got to experience it.
"Second Brigade, Salute your EMPEROR on my command, 3..2…1…. Go!"
*THUD*
*SWOOSH*
As Leo walked another few meters, the second Brigade saluted him, and it was at that point that Leo realized that the saluted was going to be a recurring theme until he reached the throne room.
Chaosbringer had not only arranged for the red carpets and the soldiers to wait on him, but he had also organised the chants and the salutes, as he tried his hardest to ensure that Leo's coronation was as memorable as possible.
"Nice…" Leo muttered, as although externally, he remained impassive, only nodding at the captains who saluted him in acknowledgement.
However, internally he had already turned into a ball of mush, his intense blush only hidden by his mask, as the fact that he was going to be 'Emperor' finally sunk in.
There were over two hundred and fifty million players from his batch of the Arc Ship alone in the world of Terra Nova, and Leo could confidently say that each and every one of them would trade places with him in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself.
However, despite the sheer millions that played this game, it was only him who was going to ascend to the throne of Unity Empire at the end, a milestone that could help cement his legacy as the greatest player alive.