Without a word, Aengus began synthesizing Quin with the human corpses.
He was not gentle at all, though he felt confident Quin would survive. Aengus had seen potential in Quin that far surpassed any excellent hunter he had encountered so far. Quin's soul was remarkably strong—nearly a hundred times stronger than the average hunter.
"Ahhh!"
Harrowing screams tore from Quin's mouth, sending chills down the spines of the onlookers.
The crowd's jaws dropped as they watched the incredible merging of corpses into Quin's body. The bodies melted into a gooey mass that slowly fused with Quin's form, even dissolving parts of him in the process.
The sight was chilling and excruciatingly painful to behold. Many nervously gulped, questioning whether such a gruesome process was necessary to punish a young man.
They assumed the Emperor was punishing Quin for his misbehavior.
Their whispers reached Aengus' ears, but he remained focused, his hand raised as synthesis energy flowed from him with intense concentration.
Even Aengus couldn't fully explain why he was doing this. Perhaps he was creating a new pawn, or maybe destiny had led him to this moment.
City Lord Zane watched with a mixture of doubt and awe, uncertain whether their new Emperor could truly bestow power in such a way.
Inwardly, he felt pleased with Aengus' kindness. The frustrated young master, once a source of unrest, was now given a second chance at life. Though initially concerned by Aengus' disregard for the gods, Zane now believed that their Emperor had the best interests of his subjects at heart.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man with a noble air appeared hastily.
"What's going on, Lord Zane? Where is my son?"
"I heard someone is hurting my poor son. Who is it? I will kill him!" the newcomer nobleman roared, gripping his sword tightly.
"Uh.." City Lord Zane began to sweat buckets after hearing what the head of the AxelCrest Clan said so loudly.
It surely reached the Emperor's ears.
He looked cautiously at the Emperor, finding him undeterred. Perhaps His Imperial Highness just took it as a dog's bark.
"Shh..." Zane then signaled the AxelCrest Clan leader to keep quiet.
With years of experience, the AxelCrest Clan leader sensed something was off as he noticed a young man in a seven-star uniform.
They looked at the Emperor with worshiping eyes, who had done this impossible task.
After granting Quin the System, Aengus learned that Quin possessed the Ancient Titan Bloodline. He recognized that Quin could become a formidable force.
But of course, Quin was still nothing compared to Aengus in terms of potential.
"Rise," Aengus commanded calmly.
Quin obeyed, standing up straight, though his head remained slightly lowered.
"I haven't done this to gain favor or to make you follow me, Quin. You're free to do as you wish, but don't forget you said to me," Aengus said, gazing at Quin's Titan form, now 100 meters tall.
"No, your Imperial Highness, I wish to follow you into battle and serve you. Your orders will be absolute to me from now on. Please, allow me to be your pawn, at least," Quin pleaded, eager to witness his Emperor's might on the battlefield and grow stronger by his side.
"Do as you wish. I have no problem with that. You will be my first commandment then, starting today."
Aengus had no issue taking such talent under his wing, though he was puzzled as to why Quin hadn't been given a System despite having qualities that should have earned him one on his own.
Just who decides this world's rules?
Or was this one of those gods' tricks?
Quin became exhilarated after hearing his Emperor's approval. He was now the first commandment, a position that signified his true value.
But he didn't become arrogant, as it made him feel properly valued in this nasty world.
His previous, ugly character qualities began to reshape with just one person's influence.
"Thank you for the title, my Emperor! I will serve with all my heart!" he said gratefully.
Aengus gave a small nod, having judged Quin's loyalty to be genuine through his body language.
Aengus then turned to Zane and the AxelCrest Clan leader and said,
"I hope this answers your queries, Silk City's Lord. Now... clear the crowd, as your Empress is inside." Aengus said sternly, observing the whole city's population gathering around them like moths drawn to a flame.
The gathering crowd wanted to satisfy their curiosity about their new Emperor, as most had never seen one in their lifetimes.