Son of the Hero King

As the world moved, people reacted and plans were made, the protagonist and main topic of all those discussions were sitting on his throne while quietly ignoring the six prisoners sitting on their butts in front of him.

He was more interested in listening to Setsuna and Athena’s reports while pushing the touchy Lilin who seemed to have had her switch flipped on.

They were currently all very close to the fortress, the only place that had not been destroyed by the fight that opposed Sol and the Bull King. The entire zone was transformed into a makeshift small house entirely made out of ice.

It had already been a few hours since then and Kun Peng had been transported using one of the teleportation matrices to this position. Since Sol had established an absolute cease-fire, Setsuna had finally been able to move away from her position and came with Athena and Kun Peng.

The atmosphere was tense but at the same time not so much. Even though the great sages were some of the strongest dukes to exist, none of them were bound at the moment.

The Bull King, whose body was covered in bandages, could only let out a bitter smile. He understood well the message that was being sent here. After all, the Prince was making it clear to them that whether they were free or not, they posed no danger to him and after the fight he had against the prince he knew that this was the absolute truth.

After all…The prince did not even use his Zone when facing him.

He wasn’t the only one who had been burnt badly. Looking at the haunted expression of Macaque and Lion, it seemed like wherever the prince sent them had badly traumatized them or they were just still in shock after being carelessly thrown away as if they were not even worth a second look.

“Are you really just a Duke?”

Bull King asked as he observed the place they were in. This was a type of construction magic of the highest degree. For a moment he even wondered if the prince was a witch because of the way he mumbled some weird spell while creating this house. Something about ‘Not letting it go’ or how he wasn’t some ‘edgy snow princess.’ Those words did not make much sense but he knew talented people were always eccentric.

No sooner had the Bull King finished speaking that two swords stopped at his throat. One was filled with incredible sharpness as if it could render space apart and the other was filled with infinite cold as if time itself could be stopped.

He smiled bitterly at the threatening look in the eyes of the two young women who had seemed so harmless a few moments ago.

Their eyes were filled with clear murderous intent.

“Do not address His Highness in such a crude way.”

“Are you questioning his honor?”

He was startled at first before understanding the way his words could be taken. After all, it was as if he was implying that Sol was a King rank and had disguised as a Duke to fight them.

Setsuna Ira and Lilin Luxuria. Two very talented and very powerful women. Now that he could feel the intent in their swords, he could understand why his fellow brothers and sisters had lost to those two.

The fact that they were so fiercely loyal to the Prince of Lustburg was a wonder. After all, his relationship with them seemed more than a little unusual.

“Setsuna, Lilin, lower your sword. They are not enemies. So I do not mind.”

The two girls seemed a little reluctant but in the end, they did as was told. Of course, they did not forget to give him a last look.

“As for your question, Bull King. Indeed, I am still a Duke. I have even yet to find my name as embarrassing as it is. So do not worry. There was no treachery involved in the fight.”

Bull King shook his head. “I didn't mean to doubt nor tarnish your honor. I apologize if my words came out this way.”

“Heh, I don’t mind.”

“You…You seem very different.”

“Different?” Sol tilted his head, “Ah. You mean less arrogant?”

Sol smirked while the Bull King coughed awkwardly, “Well.”

“You don’t need to hesitate. I know I can be quite intense when I am facing people I consider enemies. I see no reason to show respect to someone who is on the opposite side.” He simply shrugged, “But now this is different. Since you guys are not enemies anymore.”

“You seem awfully sure.”

“I am. This entire war is in the bag. We will win, no question asked.”

The Bull King could feel a quiet confidence emanating from the prince. This was not arrogance. His voice was clear as if he was speaking about the weather or the sun rising.

“What if…”

“What if Sun Wukong goes into action?”

Sol interrupted the Bull King, to which he nodded,

“You cannot understand just how strong Wukong is. Whatever you can imagine, he will always be two steps higher. He was born for fighting and is perfect in almost every way when it comes to combat.”

There was some form of reverence in his words and he knew it. But he was not ashamed. They may joke and play around with Wukong but they have always felt nothing but respect for this powerful Monkey. Over the years, he had shown them that he was the closest thing to undefeatable and the proof was that even the Dragon King, Fafnir, known for his supreme defense, was unable to beat Wukong in a one-on-one fight.

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Sol simply smirked, “I do not doubt that Sun Wukong is a very dangerous powerhouse. Perhaps one of the highest-ranked ones in the Mortal World and even in the Astral World, few can be his equal. But Wratharis isn’t the only one with a heavy hitter.”

He laughed, “If you are asking whether Wukong can actually defeat our Queen, my answer will be simple.”

He leaned forward with a boyish grin as he uttered those words, “Nah~ She will win.”

***

If Sol had to be honest. He was not as sure of Lilith’s victory as he was making it seem.

From the information he received Sun Wukong was like Lilith. At a level that of Demigod but since they had yet to create their Territories, they were not true demigod yet.

Furthermore, both of them were Singularities, making it very hard for Sol to observe anything related to them.

A fight between those two powerhouses had so many possibilities that it was mind-boggling.

So no. He was not sure that Lilith could actually win. At the same time, he did not think she would lose. It was a perfect 50/50 in a way and the final outcome between them would be akin to a throw of dice by destiny

Sol hated watching people throw dice. Unless he was the one controlling everything.

If he wanted to, he had many different ways to make sure Lilith would win or rather make sure Wukong would lose.

But he would not use them.

Victory and defeat between them would not change the outcome once Setsuna became officially the Queen of Wratharis.

There was no need to tarnish Lilith’s first true battle since gaining a new life and witnessing the fight would be very useful for him.

“Sol…What should we do with them?”

Sol came back to himself when he heard them calling him and simply shrugged, “I honestly don't want to go through the whole charade again. Flood will take care of them. Treat them as guests. Submit or whatever. You will be given a choice.”

Sol was indeed tempted to have all the sages under his command. He doubted there were many Duke rank who could even hope to face them at their full power.

This was how strong they were but at the same…He didn't really need them.

He already had an entire army of Duke witches at his disposal and while he wouldn't use them now he would without a doubt use them during the conquest.

“I will be honest because I don't want you guys to have false ideas or expectations. You are not necessary.” His voice was blunt.

“Your presence will make things go smoother but your absence will never affect me negatively. The only reason you are still alive now is that I do not wish to make Sun Wukong a life-and-death enemy. If after this war you guys decide you don't want to be part of my plans then I will be happy to let you guys.”

His voice and actions may appear arrogant to many but for him, this was nothing but the simple truth.

“What will happen now is simple. You guys will be transferred to the Capital and you will have access to your mansions or whatever strikes your fancy. Then you will be good boys and will not cause me trouble. Simple, right?”

“You are pretty daring. Don't you fear us messing up the capital? Even if there is the Supreme Daughter she wouldn't be able to install the barrier instantly.” The one who spoke this time was Kun Peng and he stood angrily.

He had been relatively silent until now but the way this prince was talking irked him to no end.

This whole situation was shit and he didn't understand why they were even listening to this kid as if they were his pet.

“Sit down.”

Sol spoke while looking at his eyes, causing Kun Peng to freeze. In the current situation with him standing up and Sol sitting on his throne, Sol had to look up to him but he had a distinct feeling that he was being looked down on instead.

As if he was just a shrimp facing a giant, this feeling caused his blood to boil in his veins and he was about to speak again when,

“I do not want to repeat myself a third time. Sit down.”

This time, Kun Peng could feel goosebumps go down and while Sol had not even started showing his aura, the feeling was not something he could go against.

Cold sweat covered his face as his pride fought against his reason. His heart was beating so fast in his chest that his field of vision started to narrow. His flight and fight instincts were going crazy and definitely leaning towards flight.

“Brother. Sit down.”

He stopped himself and suddenly the world seemed once again wider when his hand caught his.

Looking down, he could see the Flood Queen holding his hand and shaking her head before forcibly pulling him down.

Meanwhile, it was the Bull King who stood up this time while cupping his hands.

“I apologize for my little brother’s rude behavior. He is a brash but he did not mean wrong.”

The only sounds after this apology were coming from Sol’s fingers rhythmically tapping at the armrest.

The tension was thick and Flood couldn't help but nudge Kun Peng who, after hesitating a little, gritted his teeth before standing up and cupping his hands as well.

“I beg your forgiveness.”

He had never felt such a humiliation in his life. Not even being basically one shot by Setsuna had been as humiliating.

But he knew that men had to bend their waists sometimes. He did not fear for his own life but negatively affecting his brothers and sister because of his own stupid and petty pride was unacceptable.

Soon, all the other Great sages, even the Flood Queen, also stood up and cupped their hands.

They were silent but their wills were there for all to see.

“What a beautiful display of brotherhood.” A smile spread on Sol’s face and the tension seemed to melt down instantly.

“I accept the apologies. But know that it's only because I was moved by the solidarity between you.”

For someone like Sol who valued family above all else, such display always moved him immensely.

This was the proof that even in a world full of selfishness, love still had its place.

He had to admit, it was quite funny that the country of Wrath was the one who had the most familial value.

“Well. Either way to answer your earlier question. I have no worries about you causing any trouble in the capital. In fact…I would be impressed if you actually managed to do so in the current circumstances.”

An enigmatic smile formed on his face as he decided to put an end to the discussion with the sages.

He had other things to worry about. Such as a certain snake girl.

He had not been able to have a deep discussion with her or rather…with the two of them because of how busy he had been.

But now…Perhaps it was time to speak to the murderer of his parents in more depth.