Ethan stood before the kneeling assembly, the weight of the Imperial Ring pressing against his finger like a shackle. It was a symbol of absolute power—one that came with the burden of expectation, responsibility, and the ever-present shadow of the man who had ruled before him.
Chris Blackwood stepped back, his expression unreadable. He had built the Blackwood Empire from the ashes of democracy, reshaping the world with his iron will. And now, he had handed it all over. But even as he relinquished the throne, everyone in the room knew one truth—his influence would never truly fade.
Skylar Blackwood, the former Empress, watched in silence, her calculating gaze never leaving Ethan. Christiana, the Dictator, stood like an unmoving statue, her expression cold. And Classic, the former heir, observed from the shadows, his thoughts locked away behind an impassive mask.
Ethan took a slow breath and turned to the gathered rulers, the leaders of nations who had aligned with the Blackwood Union.
"Rise."
The command was simple, yet it carried the weight of finality. One by one, the monarchs and dignitaries stood, their expressions a mixture of reverence, fear, and anticipation.
Ethan looked over them, his voice steady.
"The empire does not pause. The empire does not hesitate. And under my rule, we will continue the legacy that has been built. Effective immediately, all previous policies, alliances, and directives remain in place. But make no mistake—this is a new era."
A murmur spread through the chamber.
One of the rulers, the King of France, stepped forward cautiously. "With all due respect, Supreme Ruler, will there be any changes to the structure of the Blackwood Union?"
Ethan's gaze locked onto him. "The structure remains. The power remains. But let one thing be clear—my rule is absolute. And as always, loyalty will be rewarded. Disloyalty will be punished."
Silence.
Chris let out a quiet hum of approval. It was subtle, but Ethan caught it. A sign that he had handled the situation well.
Then, Christiana stepped forward, her voice sharp.
"Shall I begin the restructuring of security forces under your command?"
Ethan turned to her, weighing his response. Christiana was the enforcer of the empire—the Dictator who had ruled with an iron grip under Chris's reign. Her efficiency was unquestionable. But now, she answered to him.
"No changes for now. Continue as you have, but report directly to me."
A flicker of something passed through her eyes—approval, perhaps—but she merely nodded.
As the meeting continued, Ethan felt the shift in power settle. The throne was his. The empire was his. And now, the world would watch as he shaped the next chapter of the Blackwood legacy.
And yet, in the farthest corner of the chamber, Classic Blackwood's gaze remained unreadable.
Watching. Waiting.
Because in the Blackwood Empire, power was never truly stable.