The old emperor did not sound bitter or resentful. His tone carried the quiet resignation of someone who had long since accepted fate's cruelty.
"Do not misunderstand," he added calmly. "It is not that I am cursed. Their circumstances were simply… unfortunate."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Ten years ago, I returned to this world to try my luck once more."
Kiara's attention sharpened.
Reginald Eternal gestured lightly toward the surrounding dungeon.
"During my travels across different realms, I discovered something interesting. Only this world possesses dungeons and dungeon creators."
Kiara's eyes narrowed again.
"As one of those creators," he continued, "I captured several beasts and built this dungeon. My intention was simple."
"To find a worthy successor."
His gaze drifted toward the empty sky where Savage Baltrow had once ruled.
"I expected someone might eventually defeat the beast king."
He chuckled softly. "But I never imagined someone would tame it."
