Many years had passed since Lucian saved Styxia and lived there together with Hysilens.
As for exactly how many years, Lucian had stopped counting after reaching ten years—it was probably several decades, perhaps close to a hundred, or maybe it had already exceeded a hundred.
In any case, he had long since given up on keeping track and instead settled into enjoying each day as it came.
Over those years, the name 'Ocean King' had also spread far and wide across rivers and lands, and at the same time, the Chrysos War in Amphoreus was unprecedented in scale during those years, as almost every city-state was at war.
And Styxia, given that it had not been submerged by the River of Souls as it had in the original story, thanks to Lucian, naturally became the target of many city-state rulers who intended to conquer this city-state.
Of course, with him residing in Styxia, the result was always the same: the armies reached the gates, the rulers were captured, their armies collapsed like a landslide, new rulers ascended the throne, and none of them dared to covet Styxia ever again.
Every city-state that attempted to conquer Styxia went through the same process.
Hundreds of rulers—some were executed on the spot, while others were spared and sent into forced labor.
As time went on, the fearsome reputation of the Ocean King spread throughout Amphoreus, causing all city-states to abandon any thought of conquering Styxia and instead come year after year for trade and cultural exchange.
Hence, an unwritten rule emerged during the Chrysos War: warfare was forbidden from spilling into the city-states and seas under the Ocean King's rule.
Some time later, an empress named 'Cerydra' rose to prominence, conquering city-states and seizing territory wherever she went, never once tasting defeat.
By her own strength, she brought an end to the chaotic age of the Chrysos War and then began a campaign known as 'Flame-Chase,' leading her Flame-Chase Army to take control of Okhema.
===
Eternal Holy City of Okhema, Year 3960 of the Light Calendar.
Inside a vast and solemn hall, a short young woman with silvery-white hair sat quietly upon a towering throne.
Even though she wore a short-sleeved blue-and-white dress that gave her an almost delicate appearance, the overwhelming authority surrounding her made it impossible for anyone present to underestimate her.
Beneath the throne, many people stood in orderly rows like loyal subjects awaiting their ruler's command.
Among the figures gathered below, especially those standing closest to the throne, several were renowned throughout the entirety of Amphoreus.
Dux Goldweaver, Dux Fatorum, Dux Carminum, Dux Fragoris, Dux Brumalis, and Dux Helkolithist—these were the famous titles they carried across Amphoreus, symbols of status and achievement known to countless people, and all of them were members of the Flame-Chase Army.
"My warriors, as I said before, I intend to launch a campaign against Phagousa and seize the Coreflame of Ocean. Now that the Flame-Chase journey has already begun, no one can stay out of it."
In the silent hall, the one who spoke was none other than Cerydra herself, the short young woman seated upon the throne and revered throughout the land as the 'Imperator.'
"But… Imperator, Phagousa lies within the deep seas of Styxia's waters, which is the Ocean King's territory."
Dux Carminum, Verginia, spoke with a slightly trembling voice, her expression carrying a trace of unease that she could not fully conceal.
As a historian, she possessed extensive knowledge regarding the countless legends and ancient records of Amphoreus, so naturally, she was well aware of the terrifying legend of the Ocean King that had spread throughout the world for ages.
"So what if it is? Ocean King or not, it's still just a legend! Wherever the Imperator's blade points, we shall march forward without hesitation!"
Dux Fragoris, Labienus, declared fearlessly, his loud and unwavering voice echoing throughout the hall.
He was a burly man who looked much like a Spartan warrior from Greece, possessing a powerful physique and an imposing presence, as well as being an utterly diehard loyalist of the Imperator.
"You'd have to be out of your mind to go looking for trouble with him. During the Chrysos War, countless rulers tried to conquer Styxia, only to end up getting beaten into the ground by the Ocean King alone. None of them even managed to force him to retreat even a single step."
Dux Brumalis, Seneca, sneered coldly at Labienus before slowly shifting her gaze toward Cerydra upon the throne, her eyes carrying undisguised mockery.
"Moreover, the rumors say the Ocean King is even stronger than a Titan. Do you want the Imperator to be captured there, only for us to lower our heads and beg for her ransom afterward?"
Even though she served under Cerydra, Seneca held no true respect for her and often mocked Cerydra openly with sharp and biting words, showing almost no restraint whatsoever.
Yet, as long as Seneca remained useful, Cerydra did not care much about her insolence and merely treated her provocations like harmless wind brushing past her ears.
"But to complete the Flame-Chase journey, the Coreflame of Ocean is indispensable, so avoiding Styxia forever is simply not a realistic option."
Dux Helkolithist, Apollonius, slightly raised a hand and spoke solemnly, interrupting the growing tension.
"Perhaps we can find a way to make Phagousa hand over their Coreflame willingly, or perhaps drive a wedge between the Ocean King and Phagousa so that their alliance collapses from within."
At Apollonius's suggestion, Dux Goldweaver, Aglaea, spoke next after a brief moment of silence.
"...I've heard that the Ocean King has some connection with the Death Titan. If those rumors are true, then he's far more dangerous than we originally expected. He's anything but simple."
"We're puzzled as well."
Dux Fatorum, Tribbie, stood quietly beside Aglaea and added with a puzzled yet thoughtful expression.
"We've already investigated, but there's no mention whatsoever of the 'Ocean King' anywhere within the prophecy, nor are there any records related to him among the revelations we've received... What exactly is his origin?"
"..."
Hearing Tribbie's words, everyone in the hall fell silent.
Even though she looked like nothing more than a little girl on the surface, nobody present dared to underestimate her. Every single person in the hall treated her words seriously and did not dare show even the slightest trace of carelessness.
"Enough."
Cerydra rose from the throne, her presence instantly becoming overwhelming and oppressive, like an invisible pressure crashing down upon the entire hall.
"All of you are Chrysos Heirs, each qualified to inherit a Coreflame and ascend into a demigod. How can you shrink back in fear simply because of a powerful enemy?"
"Ocean King? Hmph, that is nothing more than a title bestowed by mortals."
"Flamebearer, Tyrant, Empress, Supreme Commander, Imperator—which one of my titles carries less weight than Ocean King?"
Her will was like a searing brand, forcefully burning itself into the hearts of everyone present, leaving behind a pressure none of them could ignore.
*BANG!*
Cerydra slammed her scepter heavily into the ground, her figure spirited and radiant as an imposing presence swept across the hall.
"Captured? Me? Who said the Imperator would ever be captured?"
"If I were ever captured, there would be no compromise. I would fight back until the very last drop of my golden blood was spilled."
Right after saying this, Cerydra briefly fell silent, her blue eyes narrowing slightly before she continued speaking.
"Of course, that's just a joke. In this world, no one can capture the Imperator."
Not only were her words firm and domineering, but the overwhelming aura of a monarch she exuded also instantly ignited the blood of everyone who heard her, causing the officials and warriors present to subconsciously straighten their backs and lower their heads in reverence.
However, only Cerydra herself knew how much of what she had just said was true, and how much was false.
Still, the part about resisting to the death if she were ever captured—that part was unquestionably true, because she was someone who did not fear death and would never accept the humiliation of captivity.
"Pass down my order: convene an alliance army and have the other city-states hand over their military authority while dispatching troops to campaign against Phagousa!"
Just like that, with a single command from Cerydra, the entire hall immediately sprang into action. Messengers hurried out at once, while the gathered officials quickly began making preparations according to the Imperator's decree.
Cerydra, on the other hand, slowly sat back down upon the throne, one leg crossed over the other while one elbow rested against the throne's armrest, her hand supporting the side of her head, giving off either a thoughtful or bored impression to those around her.
However, if someone observed her expression more carefully, they would notice that her brows were actually tightly knit, while her eyes carried a faintly conflicted and distracted gaze.
It couldn't be helped.
Even though it sounded somewhat absurd, Cerydra always felt as if something was missing, or perhaps someone was missing from her life. It was an inexplicable sensation, one that had lingered within her heart for a very long time without ever fading away.
Still, who exactly was she missing?
Bizarrely, there was always a vague feeling lingering deep within her heart that something—or someone—that should've belonged to her had been mercilessly snatched away from her. Yet no matter how hard she thought about it, no matter how many times she searched through her memories, she could never find an answer.
===
Meanwhile, within Styxia, inside the vast bath chamber of a distinctive mansion, Lucian quietly soaked in the warm water of the enormous bath pool with his eyes closed, still living a carefree and leisurely life as always, while paying absolutely no attention to the scheming, conflicts, and power struggles unfolding throughout Amphoreus.
As long as nobody came looking for trouble with him or the people around him, he couldn't be bothered to care in the slightest. If anyone truly dared to disturb his peace, however, he would simply crush them with a single slap without showing even the slightest trace of mercy.
Compared to those boring struggles for authority and influence, wasn't the script's protagonist right in front of him far more attractive and pleasing to look at?
*Splash—!*
Beside Lucian, the clear bathwater rippled gently as Hysilens slowly slid into the bath while wearing a thin, sheer bathrobe personally made for her by him.
Once soaked by the warm water, the already delicate fabric became almost completely transparent, tightly clinging to the soft and alluring curves of her mature body without leaving much to the imagination.
Whether she realized that her bathrobe had already become nearly transparent or simply didn't care at all, she calmly swam over through the steaming water before sitting down beside him nonchalantly, acting as though nothing unusual had happened whatsoever.
At that instant, the faint fragrance lingering around her body quietly drifted through the warm mist filling the bath chamber before slowly entering his nose.
"What are you thinking about?"
Turning her gaze toward Lucian, Hysilens gently reached out beneath the water and grabbed his hand before asking softly, her already gentle voice sounding even softer and more soothing amid the hazy steam surrounding them.
"I was... thinking about finding some time to take you to Okhema for a visit... Do you wanna go? I mean, we've been stuck in this city for who even knows how many years by now."
Lucian answered casually without even opening his eyes, his relaxed posture making him appear completely unguarded in front of her.
Hysilens quietly looked at his calm and relaxed profile, and at that very moment, a subtle warmth silently spread throughout her heart.
After living together day after day for so many years, they had long since become deeply accustomed to each other's existence, causing their constant companionship to have already become as natural and ordinary as breathing air or drinking water.
After remaining silent for a while, Hysilens slowly released Lucian's hand, scooped up a handful of warm water, and gently poured it over his shoulder.
In an instant, streams of water slowly flowed downward along his firm muscles and well-defined body, causing his already sexy appearance to become even more irresistibly attractive beneath the hazy steam and shimmering waterlight.
"Sure, wherever you go, I'll go too... But before that, how about I give you a massage?"
Hysilens spoke softly, her light voice carrying a faint hint of shyness, then slowly placed her slender fingers on Lucian's shoulders.
In the next moment, Lucian felt her fingers gently kneading his tense muscles with just the right amount of pressure, causing him to reflexively let out a low, comfortable hum.
"Mm…"
Hearing his satisfied hum, Hysilens revealed a gentle and somewhat happy smile as she quietly gazed at his side profile. Her fingers slowly traced along his broad and sturdy back before gradually sliding downward, clearly feeling the restrained strength hidden beneath his skin and muscles.
Her movements were slow and careful, filled with pure concern and wholehearted intimacy, as though she truly wanted to help him relax both physically and mentally.
Amid the softly rippling water and the drifting sheer fabric that continuously revealed and concealed her beautiful body, Lucian suddenly opened his eyes, his golden gaze appearing especially deep and quiet within the misty steam.
He slightly turned his head and quietly admired her at close range, watching her lowered head as she focused attentively on pressing against his back.
Her long black hair was completely soaked and clung damply to her pale neck and slender shoulders, while clear droplets of water slowly slid down along her delicate collarbones before disappearing beneath the water and the thin, sheer fabric.
Her cheeks were lightly flushed from the surrounding heat, while tiny beads of water clung to her long eyelashes, trembling faintly with every subtle movement, enough to make any man's blood surge straight to his head.
Needless to say, the current Hysilens was already a mature woman, no longer as pure and naive as she had once been, and at times, he couldn't help but feel that she was even a little… alluring...
===
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