Chapter 39: The Declaration of Singularity of Chaos

Ragan immediately rushed to Adalen’s side and checked his condition with a look of deep concern.

The moment he felt his son’s breath, a wave of relief washed over his face.

"Thank goodness he’s still breathing," he muttered, letting out a heavy sigh.

If Adalen had died, he would have truly been powerless. After all, it was the Singularity of Chaos that had brought him down.

Fighting such an opponent would be suicide. As emperor, his duty was to billions of lives.

He couldn’t sacrifice his people—or his other descendants—just to seek revenge. That would be nothing short of foolish and irrational.

Fortunately, Adalen was still alive. The weight on his shoulders lightened, if only slightly.

"Mages of the Constellations," he called out calmly.

Whoosh!

The seven figures appeared like shadows, immediately kneeling on one knee before him.

"What are your orders, Your Majesty?" Orion asked respectfully.

Ragan glanced at him while carrying Adalen, then slowly rose to his feet.

"Take him to the medical ward. Both his legs seem to be broken. Call Dalas," he instructed, placing Adalen in Orion’s arms.

Dalas was the best doctor in the Empire—perhaps even on the continent. His skill was unquestionable.

Healing Adalen would be no challenge for him, so Ragan felt no unease entrusting his son to the man.

Orion stood and gently took Adalen’s unconscious body.

"As you command, Your Majesty." He bowed slightly before vanishing with Adalen.

Ragan’s gaze shifted to Cassiopeia, Lyra, and the other Mages of the Constellations.

"Return and rest. I know you’ve all worked hard, and I thank you," he said flatly, yet a faint warmth lingered beneath his words.

Although their faces were hidden beneath black hoods, Ragan sensed the exhaustion they tried to hide.

The six of them nodded slightly, clasping their hands before their chests in respect. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Without another word, they rose and disappeared one by one.

Ragan then turned toward the Singularity of Chaos, who floated high above, and clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect.

"Thank you for sparing my son, Singularity of Chaos," he said earnestly. "I apologize for his recklessness and hope you bear him no grudge."

He had to exercise restraint. Losing his temper could spark hostility—and that would be far too dangerous.

After all, his aim was to build cooperation, not ignite conflict.

"Don’t worry. I’m not bothered by him," the Singularity of Chaos replied, waving his hand dismissively.

Ragan let out a relieved breath. Just as he was about to respond, the Singularity interrupted again.

"By the way, I heard you’ve begun the succession to the throne. Is that true?"

Hearing the question, Ragan’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected the Singularity of Chaos to bring up that topic.

It wasn’t just Ragan—Aldric, Cedric, Zarak, and Cassian, who were present as well, shared the same shock. Each had their own plans to win the Singularity of Chaos over to their side.

But after what happened to Adalen, those ambitions were temporarily set aside.

Now, it was the Singularity who brought up the topic first, reigniting their hopes.

"Yes, Singularity of Chaos. What are your thoughts on the matter?" Ragan asked calmly, yet a hint of caution lingered in his voice.

He didn’t know the true motive behind the question. If the Singularity intended to ally with one of the princes, it would be a significant advantage.

If not, Ragan knew he had to remain cautious. After all, the succession was an internal matter of the Great Velmora Empire.

Despite his power, the Singularity couldn’t simply interfere at will.

Noticing Ragan’s caution, the Singularity chuckled softly.

He crossed his arms behind his back and spoke calmly, "Relax. I have no intention of meddling in your empire’s affairs. It serves no purpose and brings me no benefit."

His words eased Ragan’s tension. Yet what came next left him speechless.

"I only wish to announce that I will grant my protection to one of the contenders."

For a brief moment, the entire crowd in the square seemed to hold its breath.

All eyes fixed on the Singularity of Chaos floating above, then shifted down to the princes and Elina.

"The Singularity of Chaos will protect one of the contestants? Who?"

"Damn, it has to be Prince Aldric! He’s the most likely to become emperor."

"That makes sense, but don’t forget Prince Cedric and Zarak. It could be one of them."

Whispers quickly spread among the crowd as everyone speculated who would receive the Singularity’s protection.

After all, whoever gained it would instantly become the center of attention and take a decisive lead over the others.

"It must be me!" Aldric clenched his fists, eyes burning with enthusiasm.

As the first prince and strongest candidate, he was convinced he deserved that protection.

Cedric, too, was eager. With his impressive accomplishments in the Empire, he believed the Singularity’s favor would fall on him.

Zarak and Cassian shared the same confidence, recalling their own merits and silently claiming the title of chosen one.

But no one expected what happened next.

When Ragan asked who it was, the Singularity of Chaos raised his right hand—and pointed to the one person least anticipated by anyone.

"Princess Elina," he said casually.

The square instantly fell into stunned silence. Everyone’s eyes widened, fixated on Elina in disbelief.

"What? Me?" Elina pointed at herself, utterly stunned.

The Singularity of Chaos smiled and nodded slowly, about to speak—when Aldric cut him off, his voice sharp with anger.

"Impossible!"

All eyes turned to him. Aldric’s face burned with rage he could barely contain.

The Duke of Malvain watched uneasily as his nephew lost control. But before he could intervene, the Singularity turned to Aldric and asked in a flat tone, "Why is it impossible?"

Despite his calm tone, the Singularity’s voice carried a heavy pressure that rippled through the air, causing those below—including Aldric—to feel a throbbing in their heads.

Gritting his teeth against the overwhelming force, Aldric replied firmly, "Elina is just a princess. She has no chance of winning. How could you choose to protect her?"

Cedric, Zarak, and Cassian remained silent, but their approving nods spoke volumes.

Elina clenched her fists, biting back the sting of those harsh, humiliating words.

"Don’t mind him, Elina," Evalyn said softly, gently patting her shoulder to comfort her.

Masha’s adorable face twisted with frustration as she added, "Prince Aldric is definitely arrogant! But don’t let it upset you, Princess Elina!"

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Elina forced a smile. "Thank you, both of you."

"Hahaha!"

Suddenly, the Singularity of Chaos let out a light laugh that echoed clearly in the stunned silence.

"So... that’s why you disagree?" he asked casually.

"Yes!" Aldric replied firmly, without a shred of doubt.

The Singularity sighed softly. "You really are stupid..."

"What!?" Aldric’s eyes widened in shock. This was the first time anyone had insulted him so openly. He was used to praise, not mockery.

Before he could respond, a cold, sharp voice echoed from above.

"My support... Who do you think you are to question it?"

With a single wave of his hand, Aldric’s body was flung through the air like a ragdoll, crashing into a stone pillar two hundred meters from the square.

"Aldric!" Ragan shouted, panic flooding his pale face.

The Singularity of Chaos shook his head slowly, then fixed the crowd with icy eyes.

"My decision is final. I will grant my protection to Princess Elina. Anyone who dares to challenge her... will face me directly. Remember that."

With those words, he vanished, swallowed by the very air itself.

Silence fell over the square. No one dared speak. Only tension and fear remained.