Ex rank talent Awakening: 100% Dodge rate

Brian swallowed hard, unable to comprehend the reason behind Elizabeth's sudden and dramatic change.

"Forgive me, Empress. We wish to speak with you regarding a new threat—shadow slaves," Brian said, forcing calm into his voice as he took the lead.

"Escort them to the courtroom," Empress Elizabeth instructed her knights without a flicker of emotion on her porcelain face. With the same icy grace, she turned away and disappeared into the castle halls, her long dress trailing behind her like a ripple of snow.

They followed in tense silence until they arrived at the grand courtroom, the cold air laced with pressure as Elizabeth took her seat once more, regal and distant.

"So, what is it you wish to tell me about these shadow slaves?" she asked, her voice clear and sharp, an imposing aura radiating from her like a glacier's chill.

"They have a core," Brian explained. "A vulnerable core somewhere within their bodies. But it shifts from one to the other—some in the thigh, others in the neck. That's their weakness. We've come to offer our assistance to your empire, and to protect the citizens within your borders, Empress."

His words drew side-eyes and barely concealed groans from his guildmates.

"Never knew he could be that shameless," Aaron muttered under his breath, his hopes for love deflating like a pierced balloon.

"I see," Elizabeth replied coolly. "But there will be no need for your assistance. My empire will manage just fine without outside help."

"All right then, let's get out of here. She's got everything under control," Cain said quickly, already turning toward the exit, eager to avoid further nonsense.

"I didn't grant you permission to leave," Elizabeth said flatly, her voice a sharp blade in the quiet hall.

Cain turned his head slowly, dark mist already beginning to swirl around him. "I don't need your permission," he said, coldly. "Stop acting high and mighty. I thought Nemesis would have crushed every ounce of pride from this empire, but it seems he left a few scraps for me to finish."

The tension grew thick as Cain's hand twitched, ready to summon the dead with a single breath.

"Abyss, can you calm down for a bit?" Brian interjected quickly, raising both hands as if to placate a charging beast.

Turning back to Elizabeth, he lowered his voice and asked, "Empress, if I may… I'd like a private word with you."

She was silent for a moment, clearly considering it.

"Very well. Come with me."

She rose, her movements fluid and elegant, yet eerily devoid of warmth. As she turned, her long white gown glided silently across the marble floor, each step leaving a whisper of frost.

"Empress, it's dangerous to—"

"I don't need your approval to act," Elizabeth snapped at her guard, her tone brooking no further interference.

Brian glanced over his shoulder, pleading silently with his guildmates to stay calm. Then he followed her deeper into the cold corridors of the castle.

---

"What happened to you, Eliza—Empress?" Brian asked softly as they entered a secluded chamber. "What changed you so drastically in just a few days? Why do you seem so... far away?"

"You have no right to question my attitude," she replied, her face unreadable as ice.

"I do," he said, stepping closer. "You know why."

"Give it up. Whatever we shared, whatever it was we were building—let it go. I am the Empress now. I have a duty to protect my people. I can't indulge in your feelings."

"Then at least allow me—allow us—to protect your empire. Let me protect you," Brian said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"There will be no need for protection," she said.

His brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that? It's almost as if... as if you know they won't attack."

Elizabeth's silence deepened.

Then a voice cut through the air, sending a cold tremor down Brian's spine.

"It seems this suitor of yours has a sharp mind. With his talent, he'd be a fine match for you, Elizabeth. It's a shame he's working with our enemies."

From the shadowed edge of the room, a figure emerged.

"You..." Brian's voice trembled with fury. "What is he doing here?!"

He summoned his sword in a flash, his stance battle-ready.

"This is my empire," the voice said as the figure stepped into the light—Augustus, cloaked in dark majesty. "And she is my daughter. Why wouldn't I be here?"

Brian looked to Elizabeth, a mix of betrayal and disbelief twisting his features.

"Why are you working with this man?" he demanded.

Elizabeth didn't answer. The silence struck deeper than any words.

"So the reason the shadow slaves won't attack your empire... is because you're working with him?" Brian's voice cracked. "Did you really join his side? Why?"

Again, her silence spoke volumes.

"You were once a knight of my empire," Augustus said, stepping forward. "A loyal one to my daughter. I'll offer you a chance, Brian—bend the knee. Pledge your allegiance. I'll spare your life, and you can remain behind the woman you love. You may not have her heart, but at least you'll be able to protect her."

Brian clenched his sword tighter.

"Tell me, Elizabeth. Tell me the reason you're siding with this monster," he growled.

---

[Lad, your judgment is clouded. Now is not the time to engage them. You must escape first.]

His concept, SWORD, echoed inside his mind.

---

Brian didn't move. He needed answers. That was all that mattered.

---

[Don't be foolish! You can't win against the man standing before you. Especially not on their turf!]

The warning from SWORD was urgent now—but Brian ignored it still.

Elizabeth looked into his eyes, her gaze momentarily flickering with something deeper—guilt, perhaps.

"I want revenge for my mother," she said, finally. "And only by working with my father can I make those responsible pay."

BOOM!

A section of the wall exploded outward as Cain smashed into the room riding atop a giant undead beast. His aura of darkness flooded the chamber.

"We walked into a trap thanks to you," Cain growled. "We're surrounded by shadow slaves."

Behind him, the rest of the guild stood, weapons ready, faces grim.

Brian turned to Elizabeth, his heart twisting in disbelief.

"You betrayed us…"

"You will be given a chance to join our fold," Augustus said, his eyes like pits of night. "But your friends—any ally of Nemesis—is an enemy of mine. And judging by the guild emblems on your chestplates, your fate is already sealed."

A chilling darkness flooded the room.