The Emperor's Domain materialized before their eyes, a breathtaking palace that seemed to stretch on for an eternity.
Every inch of the palace was adorned with an ethereal beauty, bathed in a golden glow. The walls, intricately carved and adorned with delicate patterns, shimmered like liquid gold. Sunlight cascaded through ornate windows, casting a warm, enchanting light that danced upon the gilded surfaces.
"Haaa... w-what is... this...?"
As Gluttony stepped forward, she found herself standing on a floor made of polished gold, reflecting her every movement like a mirror. The air carried a sweet fragrance, as if the very essence of blooming flowers had been captured and infused within. Soft, melodious music resonated from unseen corners, serenading their arrival and stirring their souls.
The ceilings soared to great heights, seemingly impossibly distant. They were adorned with grand chandeliers, sparkling with crystal and gold filigree. The light from the chandeliers refracted through prisms, creating a mesmerizing display of colors that painted the entire palace in a celestial symphony.
In the distance, Gluttony could see a network of grand corridors and archways, leading to unexplored realms within The Emperor's Domain. Every doorway held the promise of a new marvel, inviting her to venture deeper into this captivating sanctuary.
"I-impossible..."
As soon as she realized the magnificence of the scene unfolding before her eyes, the location changed.
This time, Gluttony found herself in a massive hall.
Statues sculpted from pure gold lined the hall, their intricate details frozen in time. Elaborate tapestries, woven with threads of precious metals, depicted scenes of mythical creatures and heroes from ages past.
Once again, the scenery changed. This time, they were outside the Golden Palace, surrounded by a surreal golden sky that reflected the evening sun.
The gardens of The Emperor's Domain were a verdant oasis, a testament to nature's mastery. Exotic flora bloomed in vibrant hues, their petals seemingly kissed by the sun. Majestic fountains, crafted entirely of shimmering gold, formed the centerpiece of each garden, their waters sparkling with a timeless allure.
Amid all this beauty and wonder, time seemed to stand still.
Gluttony lost herself in the enchanting whispers of the wind and the soothing echoes of footsteps.
The Emperor's Domain, with its ethereal beauty and surreal grandeur, was a haven unlike any other, a place where dreams merged with reality.
In this ream, Gluttony experienced a world beyond her wildest dreams, where everything shimmered with the luster of pure gold. It was a palace of wonder and enchantment, a testament to Kuzon's extraordinary power and his ability to command realm that transcended the limits of imagination.
"You understand now, don't you? How pathetic your realm is."
"A-ah... ahh..."
Kuzon watched Gluttony shudder as he stood behind her. He could see tears fall from her eyes, but he ignored them and casually placed his hand atop her head.
"Heuk!" Twitching as Kuzon absorbed her memories, her mind-broken face shone with the same golden wonder as the sanctuary she beheld.
"I'm not as soft as Jared. The obvious end to our encounter is death... especially since I'm not the one making the plans."
The body of Gluttony had now become a golden statue, brimming with beauty but devoid of life.
"He probably knew this would happen. In any case, it seems I'm done here." With a smile, Kuzon snapped his fingers, causing everything around him to dissolve like Magic Particles.
In moments, he returned himself to the reality he left—Seoul, South Korea.
Looking around him, there was no evidence that there was ever a serious battle here. He couldn't also sense anyone observing him, so it was more likely that Gluttony came alone.
With nothing left to do, Kuzon decided to return to the Hunter Association HQ.
'At least I got a souvenir.' His smile widened.
A glimmering stone shone in his pocket as he walked out of the abandoned building.
******
Seated in a sumptuous, high-backed leather chair was a man of commanding presence.
He had long white hair, and his blue eyes gazed at the large video conferencing screen before him.
The luxurious office, adorned with mahogany paneling and exquisite artwork, exuded an air of opulence. Behind the man, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the bustling city below.
This level of luxury was certainly something befitting the most powerful man in the world.
The Strongest Hunter and leader of The Zenith—Chad.
On the screen, six faces materialized, each belonging to an individual who held a prominent position in his organization, all experts their respective fields.
The virtual meeting had commenced, and Chad's expression was a mask of composed authority.
"Good evening, my Stars... or should I say Pillars?," he began, his voice resonating with an air of gravitas. "I have gathered you all here today for an important announcement."
His tone held a hint of intrigue, a calculated mystery that left the others on the edge of their virtual seats.
"One of you is no longer among the living. While Gluttony was a wild one, she was still one of the most powerful among you. It's a shame she is dead." Chad continued, his gaze sweeping across the faces displayed on the screen.
The room fell into a silence that hung heavy with curiosity and a touch of unease. The participants exchanged puzzled glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"It seems the two Busan Heroes were more powerful than I gave them credit for. Sloth suffered defeat and retreated, while Gluttony was killed.
What Sloth reported was that the match ended in a stalemate, and he managed to escape, but Chad wasn't foolish enough to believe that story.
It was more believable that Sloth realized he couldn't win, and thus decided to escape.
The air was heavy in his office, a testament of the severity of the topic at hand. It was at times like this that Chad had to raise the mood.
"Fear not, my subordinates," Chad reassured, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "For the Grand symposium that awaits us shall shed light upon all the secrets that lie in the shadows." His words carried an enigmatic weight, hinting at a hidden purpose, and the participants leaned closer, their interest piqued.
What secrets? What shadows? The answer was whatever Chad purposed in his heart.
"As we prepare for this gathering of exceptional minds," He continued, his voice steady and deliberate, "I encourage you all to ready yourselves for what is to come. You all have your parts to play."
The screen flickered, and Chad's image expanded, filling the room with his commanding presence. The participants were captivated, their attention held by the man who spoke of mysteries and imminent revelations.
He was more than worthy of his title.
"Till then... let us remain what we always are; the light that shines upon the world, a d the darkness that lurks in the shadows."
This duality was essential in the world that he wanted to create.
Playing the hero and the villain at the same time certainly had its thrills, but more importantly was the power to be amassed as a result of the balance he achieved.
"Both fear and respect. Hope and despair. Law and Chaos. I hold all of them in the palm of my hands."
As his words hung in the air, a lingering tension wrapped around the virtual conference room. The participants exchanged glances, their minds buzzing with anticipation and a hint of trepidation.
Chad's final smile, enigmatic and alluring, conveyed a subtle promise of an extraordinary climax.
"It should be fun."
From behind the screens, the six other participants of the virtual meeting made a graceful nod, allowing him to conclude the meeting.
As the virtual screen faded to black, and the participants left with an indelible impression of Chad's profound might, the mastermind grinned in delight.
In the luxurious office, Chad reclined in his chair, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and ambition.
He had set the stage, planting all the necessary seeds, and now he eagerly awaited the day of harvest.
"The Grand Symposium. I guess I'll see you there..."
With that final thought, he closed his eyes.
