Remembering the things that happened in the past, everything the Dragon King and the Zodiac City did for him. Emery could not refuse the invitation and walk away from the man.
But before he followed the latter, knowing Morgana would not let him be apart from her, he told her to give the two of them some space to have a conversation, out of respect for the man.
Seeing the red-haired girl's nod of understanding, Emery smiled and followed the Dragon King.
The two of them walked around the vast courtyard of Silvermane Palace, which was filled with various lush trees and beautiful flowers. Contrary to his expectations, the Dragon King did not start talking about the matter of Silvermane's successor. Instead, he asked about what he had been up to the last few years.
Apparently he thought Emery had somehow miraculously managed to recover on Earth and went to the Magus Universe after he reached the Magus realm. However, the silence that followed quickly made him realize he was mistaken.
Not completely putting his trust in the Dragon King, Emery only briefly told about his split soul, that he had to spend years recovering from his severe injury without telling how he survived or where he was.
However, despite his cautious efforts, the supreme being nonchalantly said, "I assume Silviana took good care of you."
Emery fell silent at those words, unable to come up with a response to the fact the man was able to connect the dots together. As for the reason, it was probably because the latter knew of his relationship with the Serpent Queen's daughter.
"My apology, Elder. I didn't mean to hide it from you."
"I understand you are having a crisis of trust right now because of what has happened to you. I can understand your reasoning and that is also part of growing up."
He then stopped his steps, heaving a sigh as he said, "Unfortunately, that will also make what comes next much more difficult."
"Difficult?" Emery asked, confused. "What do you mean?"
As he was trying to understand the Dragon King's words, Emery was distracted when he suddenly sensed a powerful figure coming towards them. The energy signature of this particular grand magus quickly made his emotions run wild, but he quickly tried to hide them and showed an ordinary expression.
Seconds later there he was, the person he hated the most. Lucius Corvin casually walked towards him.
With a faint smile on his face, he stared at Emery and said, "Brother, I'm really glad you're still alive."
To think that man had the audacity to come see him. Not only that, he acted as if nothing ever happened between them. Naturally this irritated Emery deeply. Sensing this, Lucius paused his steps for a moment before saying,
"I'm sorry. I really shouldn't call you brother anymore… Should I call you My King instead?"
Even though his tone was casual, every word that came out of his mouth had an effect on Emery, provoking the urge within him. Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Emery stared at the man and said, "Maybe I really should accept the offer. That way, I can deal with the likes of you."
It was such a blatant challenge towards the other party, one that Emery didn't regret to say.
However, as if it didn't affect him at all, Lucius maintained a friendly smile on his face as he said, "I see. You're still angry over what I did on the elven planet."
"Angry…?" repeated Emery with an incredulous tone. "Angry doesn't cut it! You killed my master!"
With a look of genuine surprise, Lucius took a step back and said, "Hold on… Killing your master? Me? I did not kill your master."
Emery showed an expression of disbelief hearing that. To think a grand magus chose to blatantly lie instead of owning up to his actions. He grew more and more angry the more he saw the former's face.
However, while showing a genuine expression, Lucius spoke in a sincere tone.
"Emery, I'm afraid you might be confused here… Xion tried to stop me from saving my master and we were on the run." Meeting Emery's eyes, he added, "I simply stopped him... It was Zenonia who crushed his soul, wasn't it?"
The logical reply the Corvin gave was so reasonable it took Emery by surprise. Yet his raging heart did not want to listen to such words. In the end, his emotions took the best of him and he subconsciously drew his [Blade Claws].
However, just one word from the supreme being standing behind him was enough for Emery to stop what he was doing.
"Calm down. Control your emotions."
But to everyone's surprise, another figure came charging towards Lucius unleashing powerful flames that shocked the golden-haired man. Catching him off guard, the man was forced to retreat a few steps back.
Sharing connection to Emery's thoughts and emotions, Morgana was no less angry than him and so she attacked. In fact, she was about to give chase and launch another attack if Emery didn't tell her to stop.
"Is this your mate?!" Lucius was still smiling as he studied Morgana. A moment later, he then said, "You have good eyes. Good choice."
Ignoring the remark, Emery turned to the Dragon King and calmly said, "My apology, Elder. I just couldn't control my emotions around him. It was his fault that my master died and his control over me also led me to endanger my friends."
"You don't need to explain yourself. I understand." the Dragon King said.
Lucius was still visibly amused when he said, "I have to say, I like the new you Emery. But come on, stop being so dramatic and let's focus on the big things! Why did you refuse to become the Silvermane King!? Are you out of your mind?!"
Emery stared at the hateful man for a moment before saying, "It's because of people like you that I don't want that position!"
Now annoyed, Lucius said, "Think with your brain, kid. There are thousands of people worse than me out there who will not hesitate to hurt you because of your special genes. Only by becoming the Silvermane King will you be protected from those people."
Emery understood the man's argument as he had read about it before. Apparently, there were only a few wolf half-bloods whi possessed Rank 9 bloodline genes. Most importantly, those people were either ancient magus in hiding or elders who were no longer involved in any of the Magus Universe's matters.
"No, I won't hide myself behind this wall. No!"
Despite his strong words, what Lucius said did make Emery worried. He turned to the Dragon King for the latter's opinion, but the man simply said he shouldn't decide so easily. He needed to think about such an important matter with a clear head without being consumed by anger.
That was the last advice King Alduin said before he left him, in fact he planned to leave the Silvemane planet, as he had been staying too long already.
Emery gave another gaze to lucious and said "this is not over" and he left, returning to his room along with Morgana.
When it was finally just the two of them, Emery asked Morgana for her opinion. Yet again, she firmly said, "I will follow whatever decision you decide."
Those were indeed nice words to hear, but it didn't help him at all.
Deciding to follow the Dragon King's advice, Emery sat in the lotus position on his bed upon arriving in his room. He then closed his eyes as he began to calm her turbulent thoughts and emotions.
Being the ruler of a planet with hundreds of millions of people was indeed an appealing offer to many. After all, with that much power, one would be able to control and influence the outcome of war, or even make major changes to the regulations, specifically the way slaves were treated on the planet.
However, Emery quickly realized he had no ambition for such a grand cause. His reason was much more personal.
He fully believed his heart lay elsewhere.
The word home came into his mind as his answer and unfortunately it wasn't here in the Silvermane Planet.
It was at this moment that a little tiny bug – a familiar – came flying into the room. Knowing what it was, Emery made his way to the balcony, only to find another figure landing on the balcony ledge.
In her transformation form, Annara Vermont came with her head shaking. "You're finally awake. I guess spending time recuperating in a medical tube is basically your thing now."
Not wanting to deal with her sarcastic comments, Emery asked, "Why are you here?"
A sneer formed on her face as she said, "I am here to pick you up. The queen urgently asked you to return, It's about Silva."
As soon as Emery heard the name, his decision was final.
"Let's go!"