"Compared to the night, you beings, who have mastered control over light and heat, should prefer the brightness of a sunlit day," said Muria as he led the Empress to the outdoor platform of the palace. From there, they gazed down upon the vibrant nightscape of the capital. The towering skyscrapers and the streams of flying ships weaving through the floating cities created a mesmerizing view unique to the cover of darkness.
"Then, Honored One, how do you intend to demonstrate the power you claim to have—the strength to rival that of the gods?" the Empress asked with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"How about reversing day and night?"
"What?" The Empress's eyes widened in astonishment. But before she could press further, Muria had already ascended into the sky, gradually disappearing into the starry darkness above.
"To open one's eyes is day; to close them is night," Muria murmured to himself as he hovered ten thousand meters above the earth. Feeling the fierce night winds howling around him, he recalled a legendary figure from ancient myth—an exalted god whose mere gaze could control the alternation of day and night. Muria had not yet reached such heights of power, but he was certain that one day he would.
"I may not be able to command the day with a glance, but reversing night and day with my full power... that's within reach," Muria mused aloud. "Though compared to the mythical lord of Mount Zhong, I still have a long way to go."
A dazzling golden light erupted from Muria's chest as the dormant essence of his Titan heart stirred within him. Drawing upon his epic-level powers, golden flames ignited and expanded outward. In moments, a blazing sun materialized high in the night sky, centered on Muria's radiant form.
As soon as this artificial sun appeared, the darkness was banished. Night was instantly transformed into day as the overwhelming light of Muria's sun reclaimed the land from shadow. Even the desolate regions untouched by the technological glow of the empire's cities were now bathed in warm illumination.
"Th-The Sun!" gasped the Empress, her voice barely a whisper as she stared in disbelief at the new celestial body. "This... this is power worthy of a god."
The people of the Lightborn Empire revered fire and light as sacred elements, viewing themselves as descendants of the sun itself. To them, the sun symbolized their highest aspiration and destiny. Thus, witnessing Muria assume the form of a sun shocked and awed the Empress on a level beyond words.
"Immediately confirm the area covered by the sunlight!" she commanded, her rational mind quickly reasserting itself despite the overwhelming spectacle. "I want to know how far this artificial sun's light extends."
Reports soon flooded in, and each one brought increasing frustration to the Empress.
"We can't detect the boundaries of the light."
"There is no region that remains in shadow."
The responses were consistent. Muria's sun illuminated every inch of the empire's vast domain.
"The entire empire is under your radiance. Was this a show of force?" the Empress muttered, her brow furrowing deeply. "Are you demonstrating that you have the power to annihilate our civilization's homeland in a single moment?"
She was a ruler who understood the importance of caution and foresight. To ensure the survival of her empire, she had to prepare for the worst in every scenario. Though Muria had claimed to be an ally, his overwhelming power left her with little room for optimism.
"Are you satisfied with my display of power?" Muria asked with a smile as he descended back to the platform. The real dawn was just beginning to break on the horizon, blending with the remnants of his self-created sun's glow.
"This power surpasses anything we could have imagined," the Empress admitted. "I now believe you can protect us from any divine assault."
"Good. Then I should be able to exercise the full authority granted to me by our cooperation without further interference."
"Yes... but please note that our military retains the right to refuse any unreasonable orders."
"Such as?"
"Orders that would lead them to certain death, violate their dignity, or... abuse their bodies for amusement," she replied, her tone growing stern.
"Ahem! Hold on a second!" Muria coughed awkwardly, cutting her off. "That last example is rather inappropriate, isn't it?"
"Honored One, we've confirmed through our interactions with other gods that they possess desires similar to—if not stronger than—those of ordinary beings," the Empress explained with a pointed look. "Given your current appearance, we have to consider the possibility of... questionable behavior on your part."
"I would never engage in such acts," Muria protested.
"Then perhaps you could explain your relationship with Princess Astia and your chosen form?"
"I've already told you—she's my wife's reincarnation. With her by my side, you have no reason to worry about inappropriate behavior from me."
"I see... so Princess Astia serves as a... stabilizing influence on you," the Empress noted thoughtfully.
"You understand nothing," Muria scoffed, his voice sharp. His figure began to blur and fade as he spoke. "I'm taking Princess Astia with me. I'll also be assuming command of your forward expedition fleet. If you need to reach me, contact me through official channels."
"Princess Astia?" Fleet Commander Zomari exclaimed in astonishment as Muria arrived with the royal figure in tow. "What brings you here?"
"Isn't it obvious? My son brought me along," interjected Arena, who had reappeared alongside Muria. Although she had spent most of their journey in the background, her eyes now gleamed with curiosity. She could guess that Muria had used his usual straightforward approach—intimidation through overwhelming power—to achieve his goals.
There was no other way to explain how a royal princess, once bound by a politically significant engagement, had been taken so effortlessly. Arena knew all too well that conventional methods would have been mired in endless bureaucracy and opposition. But raw, unparalleled strength had a way of cutting through such obstacles with ease.
Meanwhile, Commander Zomari's mind raced with fantasies. The princess's marriage contract had been annulled, and now she stood beside him. Could this mean…?
"Don't get any ridiculous ideas," Muria warned sharply, his eyes narrowing. "Let me be clear—Princess Astia is the reincarnation of my wife. She is under my protection. You would do well to remember that."
"She's... your wife?" Zomari stammered, his excitement instantly replaced by despair. His expression darkened as if he were mourning a great loss.
"Exactly. And one more thing..." Muria smirked. "As of today, I'm your direct superior."
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