NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Meeting the Emperor Pt.1
[Hour of decision:
Option 1: Choose the 1st garment and walk the path of a loyal servant, successfully becoming the right hand man of the reigning Emperor.
Option 2: Wear the 2nd garment and step on the path of a true monarch.
Host has 60 seconds to decide.
After given time is up, the Host would be dressed up in a random garment and the other one would be shredded.]
"Either become a slave or become a king, huh?", Raven mused.
"What the hell, is this even a question?
Whatever the odds may be, I'd rather walk the path of an emperor!"
"I choose the black robe."
At the same instant, a warm golden light engulfed him. He felt the smooth sensation of fine silk on his skin. When he peered into the mirror, he saw a dashing youth staring back at him. His hair was pigeon blood red, his mismatched eyes gave him an aloof and rugged charm. The robe was even more impressive from up close and gave him an imposing and majestic aura.
Satisfied with his new attire, Helios set out towards the dining hall, his mind abuzz with the implications of his choice.
He contemplated several possible outcomes.
First: The Emperor finishes him off for daring to take an aim at his throne.
Second: The Emperor lets him partake in the battle of succession.
But if the second scenario plays out, he runs a high risk of being eliminated by his half siblings.
Oh, what the hell!
Would he face a premature death this time around too?
He did not care. He would choose death over being a slave any day. And those raucous students of his, of all persons would enthusiastically support his decision too!
Just thinking of them brought a wry smile on his face. Though he would never admit it, he did miss those annoying little sh*ts.
Sorry for the digression.
The real reason he was so adamant against being a slave because he had experienced exploitation first-hand in his previous life.
They paid him about 16,200 Indian rupees per month (about 200 US Dollars) and made him teach classes back-to-back for six hours straight, with only one half hour lunch break after three gruelling hours of teaching, a.k.a. shouting.
If this isn't slavery, then he did not know what was. And believe me, he was in no hurry to return to that life.
Not when he had his own cheat, his golden finger, a freaking system.
In his previous life, he had a lot of regrets. He despised his job, but that was the only one he could land after years of searching and his salary supplemented by his earnings from doing private tuitions enabled his family to somehow scrape by.
He was indeed relieved when his dad passed away. He revelled in the fact that life became a bit smoother and he now could indulge in the occasional luxury — and he hated himself for feeling that way. Yet he could not suppress those thoughts.
In this life, he vowed solemnly, he would live without regrets, even minor ones. And if such lifestyle comes at the cost of his own life — then so be it!
He raised his fist and rapped his knuckles thrice on the wooden door leading to the dining hall.
The doors opened with a majestic creak and he stepped in.
Cupping his hands and bowing slightly, he spoke up with newfound confidence,
"This son greets his father His Majesty The Emperor."