Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the grand hallway. Leading the group was the butler, followed closely by Archduke Cryus and Aurora, with Alice, Eugene, and Roland trailing behind.
They passed by countless tapestries lining the walls—each one depicting the former emperors of the Ilios Empire and their greatest achievements.
I just realized… a lot of these paintings, along with the noble house crests, have the sun in them, Roland thought, eyes scanning the golden emblems and warm hues. In this world, most people don't seem to worship a god, though there is the religion of the Sun God. Still, it feels like the Ilios Empire incorporates the sun into almost everything.
This was slightly odd to Roland. In his original world, religion was common—almost everyone believed in something.
Soon, the group reached the end of the hallway. In front of them stood a massive door, its frame plated in gold. At the top of the door was a depiction of what appeared to be the moon, split clean down the middle. Overlapping it was the sun—the Imperial Crest.
As the doors swung open, they revealed a vast and luxurious hall. Rays of sunlight poured through the tall windows, illuminating the grand space.
Wow, it's huge! Roland thought in awe.
At the far end of the hall stood seven chairs. Six were arranged in a straight line at the front—where the elderly council members sat. Behind them, elevated slightly, was a single empty chair: the Emperor's throne.
"Welcome, candidates," an aged voice echoed through the hall.
Seated in the center chair, an elderly man with prominent wrinkles spoke with calm authority.
"We greet the Head of Council, Elder Roy," the candidates said in perfect unison, bowing respectfully.
The candidates stepped forward, positioning themselves at the center of the grand hall, each pair spreading out with deliberate formality.
Roland stood at the far right, followed by Eugene. At the center stood the cold and refined Alice. To their left was the youthful and cheerful Aurora, and at the far end stood the crimson-haired war hero, Archduke Cryus, radiating a quiet intensity.
"I'm sure you all understand the reason for this selection—due to the sudden disappearance of the imperial family." The head elder announced.
Actually... now that I think about it, they never really gave us a proper explanation for the imperial family's disappearance. In fact, they've been completely glossing over it. Shouldn't something like this be treated as a matter of utmost importance? Roland frowned inwardly, as he tugged at his cuff.
"Today marks the true beginning of the selection. Now that you've all come of age, you will be given the choice—to consume an Ancient Beast, or drop out of the selection." the head elder declared.
"What!?" Roland accidentally blurted out, his eyes widening in disbelief.
The hall fell into stunned silence. Every candidate wore a look of shock—even the usually composed Archduke Cryus was visibly shaken by the announcement. Though, in the next breath, that shock twisted into a wide, almost feral grin.
As you all know, the Frecil Empire has been applying increasing pressure on us, even going so far as to attack our supply lines. I'm sure Archduke Cryus knows this all too well," said the old, bald Head of State seated to the left of the Head Elder.
"Therefore," he continued, "each of you will consume and assimilate with an Ancient Beast. Then, you will head to the frontlines to prove your worth to the Empire."
Damn… This really wasn't what I expected, Roland thought.
Next to speak was a middle-aged man dressed in a formal military uniform, a deep scar running down his left eye. This was none other than Elder Regan, the head of the Imperial Guard.
He then bellowed in a deep, commanding voice, "Before you make your decision, allow me to explain the truth behind the ancient beasts.
"The terms 'consume' or 'assimilate' are not entirely accurate. Upon ingestion of the beast's remains, you will fall into a deep slumber, your consciousness transported to a dream realm, where you will face a trial.
"This is due to the lingering psyche of the ancient beast. The trial will differ for each individual—some may find themselves cast into the heart of a battlefield, while others may be shown their ideal world. All of it is a deception, meant to disorient you... to lull you into vulnerability so the beast may strike from the shadows and kill you.
"If you die in the dream, you die in reality. Your body will fall cold and lifeless."
At that moment, all the candidates stood motionless, fully focused and not daring to let their thoughts wander.
"To increase the chances of successfully completing the trial, you can perform a ritual using the proper materials and pray to the Sun God before consuming the corpse. This has been proven to improve the odds of success," Elder Regan continued.
Roland tugged at his cuff, clenching his right fist tightly. This explains a lot about the past Roland's death, having died from failing the trial. Roland thought, a look of realization dawning on his face.
Elder Regan then rose from his chair and stepped forward. "After successfully passing the trial, you will gain access to a fragment of divinity." He declared.
As he finished speaking, he reached out and grasped at the air.
The hall suddenly heated up, causing all the candidates to sweat profusely. Then, a burst of flames, shaped like chains, appeared around the candidates, forming a cage.
"The power and abilities that each individual receives have similar properties, but they will have at least one unique application of the technique." He waved his hand, dismissing the cage, and walked back to his seat.
How unfortunate the timing was—if the past Roland had waited just one more day, he would've received an ancient beast for free. Roland mused.
"I hope that you all now have a better understanding of becoming a vessel. However, there is one thing I want you all to remember by heart." Elder Regan paused for a moment, adding to the tension.
"Even after successfully consuming the beast, you will have to deal with the insanity of the beast's psyche. You must constantly keep your guard up. If not, you will be consumed by the beast's will.
"Don't even think you've conquered it. You can only suppress it."
The words echoed throughout the hall, and each candidate displayed a different reaction.
Alice, calm and refined, stood with unwavering determination in her eyes.
Eugene, ever brash, flashed a confident grin and puffed out his chest.
Aurora, youthful and serene, smiled warmly, her hands gently clasped behind her back.
Archduke Cryus, with his blood-red hair, wore a small smile, his usual cold demeanor unwavering.
And lastly, Roland, with his golden hair, stood there, conflicted. He was torn between worry—wondering if he'd be able to pass the trial—and fear of the lurking danger. But he quickly pushed these thoughts aside, determined not to repeat the mistakes he had made in the previous loop.
I have no choice. If I want a chance at becoming Emperor, I have to seize this opportunity. Roland thought, gathering his resolve.
This time, I will face it head-on.
Soon, five servants entered the room, carrying a decayed corpse and placing it before the assembly.
"This is your last chance," the head elder shouted. "If you do not wish to take this risk, you may leave now and forfeit your candidacy. Otherwise, step forward and show your resolve."
Both Alice and archduke Cryus stepped forward at the same time, knelling down and stricking their right fist to their left chest.
"Glory to the empire, may the sun be with us." They both shouted out with determination.
Next, Eugene walked forward, followed by Aurora, both mirroring Alice and Cryus's actions.
Sigh... Roland exhaled, gripping his cuff.
It's now or never, I guess. He thought, stepping forward.
"Glory to the Empire!"