traitor chapter 9

The one born with the most potent magic becomes Emperor, a member of the Imperial family. The one born with the most potent divine power becomes Pope, born outside the Imperial bloodline, to check the Emperor’s power. However, a being who shattered this very principle was born into the Imperial family. The Empire gave this being a new title: God’s Annihilator—the Emperor Who Annihilates God. 

The Crown Prince, ascending the throne on the day the Pope died, bore this title as he took his place as Emperor. The emotions embedded in this title were awe, fear, and condemnation. Awe toward the overwhelming Emperor who possessed both magic and divine power. Fear stemming from that very strength. Condemnation sent by rivals consumed by inferiority or religious fervor. Emperor Dianaosa, called the God’s Annihilator, reveled in all the emotions directed toward her. As strong as she was, she magnanimously accepted the criticisms, allowed the fear of those overwhelmed by her power to grow, and responded to the proffered awe with a slight nod of satisfaction.

Many predicted the unification of church and state under this Emperor’s rule. However, events unfolded differently than expected. Under the blessing and respect of the newly enthroned God’s Annihilator, a new Pope was chosen—a strikingly young man. The overwhelming Emperor respected the fledgling Pope, and together they led the nation peacefully.

Two years later, the Pope, expressing gratitude to the Emperor who had supported him, offered a warning: “Suspect those you believe to be loyal. Humans are weak. You must not cease your vigilance, relying solely on their loyalty.” The Emperor was irritated by these words. She thought the new Pope, still wet behind the ears, was being impertinent. She quelled the small voice in her head that whispered the words held some truth. She dismissed the Pope’s advice as nothing more than baseless slander. It was absurd to trust the words of the new Pope over those who would die for her without hesitation. He didn’t understand the unique bond they shared.

But it was she who truly didn’t understand. It was she who became the fool.

Black water rose, filling her to the brim. It rippled and sloshed. The ominous liquid filled the magnificent Imperial Palace of Cellurgias to its peak, then slowly receded. The palace, drenched and then drained, was transformed. Its facade was twisted and tilted, its outer walls blackened, its interior isolated from the outside world. The palace had become a complex labyrinth, a place separate from the real palace. On the cold floor of its first level, the Emperor opened her eyes, stripped of all power, both magical and divine.

Drip. Drip. Splash. Splash. Droplets fell, and the sound of something submerged in the overflowing water, then rising to the surface, echoed around her. 

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” A booming voice called out to her urgently. Her chest felt tight. As she opened her mouth to breathe, cold liquid rushed in. 

“Kehok… Cough…” Diana coughed up the liquid that had seeped into her airway and sat up. Her entire body ached, her limbs weak and trembling. Fighting the urge to lose consciousness, she surveyed her surroundings. Blurred images swam before her eyes. As her awareness sharpened, the hazy images became clear. Dark water pooled on the marble floor. Water dripped from the soaked ceiling, landing on her forehead and cheeks. Pushing herself up, she looked down. Walls had crumbled, furniture was piled high, and various small objects and debris floated on the water that reached her ankles.

“Dian!” Someone grabbed her and pulled her up. Her weakened legs stumbled before finding their balance. Diana placed her hand on the firm arm that held her. “Calm down, Ruby.” His eyes widened. Despite her words, he seemed to grow more agitated, trembling as if he’d received shocking news. Soaked to the bone, he looked even more precarious. 

“Your… Your Majesty… your magic… it’s completely…” 

“Calm down,” Diana repeated. The labyrinth had nullified both her magic and divine power. 

“It’s dangerous if you don’t compose yourself.” Only then did Ruby stop shaking. His face calmed as he helped her up, checking her mobility. “We have to get out of here. Can you move?”