But as Jolthar thought about it, something else occurred to him.
The Emperor could have simply condemned him to death. Could have had him executed on the spot with minimal justification, given the assembled evidence and accusations. Instead, he was offering this—an impossible task, yes, but still technically an opportunity rather than outright execution.
That suggested the Emperor wasn't simply trying to kill him. He was testing him, evaluating him, possibly even creating a situation where if Jolthar somehow succeeded, he would return with proven capabilities that would make him even more valuable to the empire.
It was a gamble on both sides.
The Emperor was gambling that either Jolthar would die solving a problem in the Dreadland Depths or return stronger and potentially loyal.
Jolthar gambled that his power, skill, and determination would be enough to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
