"Let the Show Begin."
With just two words, bursts of radiant light erupted around the temple as the Imperial Knights materialized out of thin air.
Even the courtyard was no exception. Four figures appeared around Aegon, each clad in heavy black armor, wielding a weapon distinct from the others.
The sight of them surrounding the prince was nothing short of breathtaking—both stunning and shocking.
Kai Luc broke into a cold sweat the moment he recognized them.
"The Knights of the Round Table..."
Lying battered on the ground, Choupo stared in disbelief at the scene before him. With a weak, trembling voice, he muttered,
"The prince... he actually made the Knights of the Round Table his subordinates?"
For the first time since the battle began, a chilling realization crept over Kai Luc—he was in more danger than ever before.
"Spear and sword, move forward. Shield and staff, stay in the back."
"Understood!"
Aegon Valerion issued his orders without a hint of urgency, and the knights responded as one.
These four warriors were among the empire's strongest, each ranked at S+, a force to be reckoned with.
To make matters worse, each specialized in a different field, making them an unstoppable unit.
In an instant, the swordsman lunged at Kai Luc with ruthless aggression.
Kai Luc instinctively tried to retreat, but something was restricting his magic, rendering him barely able to dodge.
Then came the spear-wielder, striking from behind, leaving no room to breathe as he thrust forward without mercy.
At the back, the mage continuously disrupted Kai Luc's spells, while the sword and spear pressed their assault. The shield stood guard before the prince, who orchestrated the battlefield with absolute control.
A flawless formation. Nearly unbreakable.
Kai Luc was trapped.
His mind raced, trying to process what had just happened.
When had the prince turned the tables? How did he disable the Warp Circle?
Aegon read the questions plainly on his face.
"Is the truth really so difficult to accept?"
Kai Luc fought desperately, relying solely on his magic, but he was already reaching his limit.
Each time he attempted to strike Aegon, his attacks were effortlessly intercepted by the shield-bearer.
And, as expected, it didn't take long.
Within minutes, a bloodied, battered figure collapsed at Aegon Valerion's feet.
Kai Luc's demonic powers struggled to heal him, but the sheer number of wounds made recovery nearly impossible.
"Well done."
The four knights nodded in acknowledgment, now fully encircling Aegon and Kai Luc.
It was clear—they had intentionally spared Kai Luc's life.
A silent testament to Aegon's specific orders.
Kneeling in a pool of his own blood and sweat, Kai Luc looked nothing like the man who had once commanded overwhelming power over his enemies.
A short distance away, Choupo Moting, still gravely injured, desperately crawled toward Sophia, whose breaths were growing weaker by the second.
Yet, Aegon did not spare his dying professor a single glance.
His focus remained solely on the kneeling man before him.
Kai Luc slowly lifted his head, meeting Aegon's golden gaze.
"How?"
A single word. A simple question.
Aegon had been waiting for this.
In fact, he had hoped Kai Luc would ask.
He tilted his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"This is entirely your fault, Kai Luc."
"My fault?"
"From the very beginning, you prioritized the wrong things. You convinced yourself that no first-year student could ever be a threat to you."
"You thought dealing with the professors was enough… and yet, here you are, kneeling before me. I can't help but admire your stupidity."
"You bastard—"
Kai Luc attempted to rise, but before he could move, a merciless spear pierced his leg, forcing him back down.
"Relax. We're just getting started… No need to rush your death, don't you think?"
Mocked by a boy not even eighteen, Kai Luc had no choice but to lower his head, his mind scrambling for a way out.
He whispered under his breath,
"Ascension."
But nothing happened.
His skill was still on cooldown from earlier.
He was completely on his own.
His first instinct? Stall for time.
So, he refocused on Aegon.
"You still haven't answered me."
"Hmm?"
Aegon saw through his attempt instantly but decided to indulge him anyway.
"If you're asking how I turned your own magic against you, the answer is simple… I knew what you were trying to do from the start."
He raised a finger to his eye, then to his ear, and finally tapped the center of his forehead, the smirk never leaving his face.
"I see everything. I hear everything. I know everything that happens within this empire."
"As a prince, it is my duty to monitor every piece on my board and prepare for anything that may unfold… That is what it means to have absolute control."
Kai Luc's expression twisted in disbelief.
"Are you telling me that…"
"Yes."
Aegon nodded firmly.
"I told you—I know everything that happens within this empire. Naturally, your pathetic little schemes over the years were no exception. All I had to do was make a few… adjustments to that 'perfect' magic circle you spent so long preparing."
"And just like that, your entire plan collapsed. But I must admit… what a twisted scheme you came up with."
Aegon was enjoying himself.
Meanwhile, confusion clouded Kai Luc's face.
"I don't understand… If you knew this was going to happen, why didn't you stop it? Why wait until the last moment to intervene?"
Aegon's smirk widened as if he had just heard the dumbest question in existence.
"Are you an idiot?"
"Huh?"
"Pfft—"
Aegon burst into laughter, barely containing himself.
"Stop you? Intervene? On the contrary… I should be thanking you."
"I'm grateful, Kai Luc. After all, opportunities like this don't come every day."
Kai Luc finally began to realize just how insane the man before him truly was.
"You wiped out so many useless pieces I no longer needed. You did the dirty work for me. And most importantly, you gave me the perfect opportunity to shape my story."
"Story?"
"That's right. In the end, the only name people will remember is the one who saved the temple—Aegon Valerion—while the temple itself takes all the blame, granting me even greater authority to interfere in the future."
Aegon's smirk grew even wider.
"You were a fantastic piece… A marvelous one that played its role flawlessly."
He patted Kai Luc's head as if praising a loyal pet before leaning in close.
"But your role isn't over yet. We don't get a catch like you every day."
Kai Luc remained silent.
He had just realized the truth—he had been dancing in the palm of Aegon's hand all along.
And the worst part?
He had never even realized it until now.
Gritting his teeth, his body flared with crimson light.
"I won't forget this… Aegon Valerion."
Sensing his intent, the four knights moved instantly—but it was too late.
In less than a second, Kai Luc vanished without a trace.
The knights were momentarily stunned.
But Aegon's expression remained unchanged.
"Shall we pursue him?"
A knight asked in a hushed tone, but Aegon simply shook his head.
"No need. I already know where he's gone."
His words didn't surprise the knights before him. After following him for so long, they had come to a unanimous realization—this prince was terrifying. His capabilities were beyond comprehension.