Nishida Hideshi's POV:
I am the great Nishida Hideshi, the one who shall rule the world.
My father, the previous emperor, once said that one day, the Nishida would rule the world, and all between heaven and earth would belong to us. He was a great man, but a fool non the less. He often spoke of grand aspirations and lofty goals but lacked the resolve to follow through on his words. He would eventually perish long before making good on his promise to me, slain by an enemy country led by the very worms who should bow before us.
With my father gone, the great Nishi Empire was thrown into turmoil, as those filthy miscreants of impure blood attempted to claim the throne that belonged to me. They were so bold as to claim themselves to be my father's true heirs in spite of their impure bloodline. They were born from my father's pets, nothing more than tools for his amusement, unlike myself who was the only untainted blue-blooded son of my father. After all, I am the only son whose blood could sway the immortal's pact.
Long ago, my great, great grandfather had made a sacred pact sealed in blood with an ancient warrior who would go on to become an immortal with the support of the Nishi Empire, in exchange for his undying loyalty to the Nishida bloodline. The immortal in question was Sir Han, and he belonged to me, for I was the only child of pure blood.
With his power at my beck and call, I exterminated those ingrates that schemed against me. Though my father might be saddened at the death of his pets, they had bit the hand that fed them. A dog that has gone rabid needs to be put down, else it might spread its ailment to others.
With all who opposed me gone, I began my rule and worked tirelessly to take what rightfully belonged to me, the world. However, I soon came to know the hardships of my father as politics and rulership was far more complicated than I imagined. Suppressing rebellious maggots, traitors, assassins, international policy, laws, national finances, and so on. It took me a fair amount of time to understand how to go about solving these issues, for many evils lurk in the shadows waiting to drag me down like they did my father. Fortunately, I had some trustworthy servants at my disposal whom I could delegate most of these tasks to or consult if an issue arose. It was not long until I heard the officials of my court sing my praises, as I led this Empire into its golden age. Unfortunately, that was not the end of my hardships.
*Cough**Cough*
"YOUR MAJESTY!!!"
*Thud*
Less than a decade into my rule, I had fallen gravely ill. The court physicians claimed it to be some sort of heart disease, and unfortunately, there was no known cure, predicting my death within 2 to 3 years. I had those quacks and their families executed for their lies, as I ordered my servants to bring me some true medical practitioners instead, only to find they had made light of my words and brought another quack before me. Angered that these mutts dared to make light of their ruler's word, I made certain they regretted their actions before I sent them on their way down to hell. Growing impatient, I ordered for every man or woman, claiming themselves a practitioner of medicine to come before me, and a cruel fate awaited the quacks who dared lie to my face.
Unfortunately, though some claimed otherwise, it was clear from the worsening of my condition, that not a single one of these so called physicians and doctors, had even the slightest bit of skill in their body. At the end of my rope, and suspecting a traitor in my midst, I began mulling over whether or not to purge the entire court and look for a doctor myself. That is when she appeared before me, one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen, with a voice as sweet as honey she claimed to know of a way to extend my life.
This was to be my 1st wife, my Empress to be, Ayane. A woman unfairly branded evil and stripped of her family name by those ignorant fools who feared her skill. She asked that in exchange for her help, I would shelter her and indulge her excentric hobbies. Of course, as we grew closer, I ended up doing a little bit more than just indulging her, if you know what I mean. Hehe.
Anyways, the method she used was a bit controversial. It required a blood sacrifice of a blood relative, once every 12 years or so, under a blood moon. The exact requirements for the sacrifice were not too harsh, as even those impure half-bloods would have sufficed, however, it cannot be more than one generation apart. I never thought the day would come where I would regret putting down those rabid dogs back then. That is when I started adopting some pets of my own, bringing some more impure breeds into the court, to prolong my life. They must be thanking me from the afterlife for granting such filth the honor of serving this great emperor. Thanks to their sacrifice, I will live forever, and the Nishi Empire shall one day rule the world.
About 30 years later, another stroke of fortune hit me.
*Baby Crying*
After trying for many years, my Empress had given birth to a prince. My first true son, Nishida Hideyoushi, the crown prince. Technically he was the 4th prince, however, the other sacrifices were not of any importance and save for the 3rd who was next to be offered, he was the only living prince, hence I joyfully declared him my successor. He was such an adorable and bright little boy, and I thanked the heavens every day for this good fortune, as I spent each day spoiling him with my affections while teaching him about the world, just as my father taught me. Unfortunately, these happy days did not last.
About 20 years later, there was an incident. One of my pets, a homeless mutt I had picked up on the street, had escaped with my next sacrifice. Fortunately, my intelligent wife had long foreseen the eventuality of one of these mutts escaping like this, and placed a mark on their body, that would put them down should they ever turn rabid, as well as a tracking method for recovering the sacrifice. Unfortunately, by that time, it had already escaped the range of the tracking talisman, and so I sent my men to search the Empires borders and even in the neighboring lands. However, while there was some reported news, the ones who found a trace went missing soon thereafter.
This incident left a sour taste in my mouth as I was rather displeased with the situation. However, something amazing happened only 2 years after that took my mind off it.
*Baby Crying*
My little miracle was born. My beloved empress, after 22 years, had sired another child, my precious little Kiko. She was such an energetic little thing, there was rarely a day where we wouldn't hear her cute little pitter patters throughout the palace, as she sprinted around with her cute little legs, as she ran away from her tutors. Her adorable little face never failed to bring a smile to mine, and her mischievous antics always made me laugh. However, as I felt my body grow ever weaker, I recalled the issue at hand.
As the time for the next sacrifice began to near, I ordered Han to go retrieve the sacrifice in person, but he did not find it in time, and drastic measures had to be taken.
As cultivators such as myself tend to struggle with bearing children, I would often go visit several pets in an attempt to make another sacrifice, and there happened to be another carrying one at this time. Unfortunately, it seemed that the mutt carrying the sacrifice was not fast enough, and we had to carve it out of her stomach to proceed. The mutt would never be able to bear any more sacrifices, so there was no point in wasting any resources on treating her injuries. Hence, she perished on the altar alongside that sacrifice.
Around 3 years later, Han returned, missing one eye and holding a severed head, bearing news of his mission. As fate would have it, the mutt I had taken in, out of the kindness of my heart, had withheld the precious treasures that should have belonged to me. She was a witch. The only child of the Watanabe, a famous bloodline of magicians in possession of an ancient and powerful army since days of old, that was fated to be mine. As her owner, everything that is hers belongs to me. Not only had she stolen 12 years of my life, but she had taken away an army that could play a vital role in my future conquest of the world.
Unfortunately, there were no clues left behind as to the whereabouts of the golem army, nor the sacrifice, and more misfortune soon followed. After the last sacrifice of the 2nd princess, both my oldest and newest pets have failed to bear me another sacrifice, try as I might, no matter how hard I tried, no more sacrifices could be made, as I fear it has finally happened, I have gone sterile. Desperate, and out of options, I ordered for all the greatest alchemists in the land to refine me pills, while I went into seclusion, hoping attaining immortal status may save my life. Unfortunately, while I was desperately attempting to achieve immortality in hopes of slowing or mayhap even curing this illness once and for all, my precious daughter, little Kiko, was kidnapped, by that dastardly fiend, the Dark Lord, or that is what I believed at the time.
Luckily, this was a blessing in disguise, as it turned out, my Kiko had not been kidnapped, but merely swept off her feet by this arrogant youngster. She told me he had personally come to take her away to his palace to make her his bride. Although, as her father I certainly have my reservations, I am aware that not only would little Kiko's engagement to this man be of great benefit to the Nishi Empire, but also that this man is probably the most desirable bachelor not counting my son of course. So, I quickly accepted it, and chose to be happy for my daughter, while making plans to bring his territory under my Empire. Unfortunately, before I could even begin to imagine how to go about this, I was informed that some vixen had bullied my little Kiko, and stolen what was hers. A mutt who did not know her place, had gotten in the way of my little Kiko's first love. I was outraged.
Unfortunately, the revenge would have to wait, as I was growing weaker by the day. Though I had not been able to reach the immortal stage yet, the sacrifice that had disappeared had been found and brought before me. Evidently in position of some of my stolen golems, indicating that it knew where that witch had hidden them. However, it had not learned to speak the human tongue while living in the wilderness, as it refused to utter a single word to me, its owner. So, I sent it to be domesticated, so that she will reveal the location of my army before the ritual.
If I can acquire the golem army, and ascend to become an immortal, on top of the might of my immortal servant Han, I would be unstoppable. Even that audacious Dark Lord would surely see the error of his ways and throw away that mutt in favor of begging for my little Kiko's forgiveness. Once the Dark Empire is under my rule, the other countries will surely follow, and I can expand my conquest to the other continents.
Unfortunately, that ingrate has yet to reveal the information on my army's location. Last time I visited the dungeon, she even dared to call me fat. If not for these delicious sweets, and my empress reminding me that I need her alive at least until the next blood moon, I would have long since killed her out of anger. Fortunately, the next blood moon is only in a few days, so shall my patience run dry by then, I will simply have her offer her life to me, and have my wife see if she can divine the location of my army from the remnants of that ingrate's soul.
However, as the day of the ritual approached neared, she seemed to only grow bolder and bolder. She even dared to try and abandon her duties as the sacrifice on more than one occasion, resulting in me having to send out the sickly dog Han to fetch her. At least, we acquired another treasure with that dark empire elf, who we can extract some unique poisons from, which may prove useful when we take over the 3rd martial continent.
*Tear*
"Hm? I suppose I need to update my wardrobe soon!" I muttered to myself, as another one of my old robes tore.
It has been a while since I last ordered any new clothing for my wardrobe due to everything going on as of late, so my clothes have started to wear out.
"Well, no matter! It will only be me and my family present for the ceremony!" I said, before ordering a servant to bring me some new clothes, even if they were not as fanciful as I'd like.
Once, I acquired a set of new clothes that felt a bit tight around the edges, I looked out the window and saw it was almost time. I then began heading towards the chamber where the ceremony would be held. As this ritual is a private secret of my family, it is a general rule for me not to bring any attendants along, hence I had to walk on foot, to reach my destination while trying to remain inconspicuous, though it should not prove much of an issue seeing as it is merely on the other side of the palace.
*Huff**Puff*
"Ugh! *Wheeze*! Ugh! My heart! Ngh!"
As I reached the entrance to the secret room where the ritual would be held, I felt a sharp pain in my chest, as I struggled just to stand up right. I should have had at least 3 more years, but it felt like I could drop dead any minute. Perhaps my condition has somehow worsened, in which case, it might be fortunate that I chose to hold this ritual a little earlier this time.
Wiping the sweat of my forehead, I pulled on the lever disguised as a light fixture, which opened the secret passage.
"Hm? Is it just me, or have the doors in this palace begun to shrink as of late?" I said, as I struggled to get through the doorway.
Once I got through, I made my way to the ritual site.
What greeted me was a stone altar covered in red symbols of unknown origine sitting atop a small podium where I saw my beloved holding the red ritualistic dagger covered in the same kinds of symbols. In front of the podium were the two lounge chairs where my children were seated, and now that I am looking closely, they do seem to have gained some weight recently.
It might be good to put Hideyoshi on a diet after this. As a man, and as a prince, it is important to keep a regal and strong body at all times, to both inspire the masses and to protect your family, like me. As much as I love him as my son, his current appearance is just not practical. Little Kiko is still so cute, so she can stay how she is. I bet she is even softer to hug now. I digress.
Chained in the middle of the room between my two children was the sacrifice. Its mouth had been gagged, its arms and legs cuffed, and various chains fastened to the floor connected to the cuff around its neck. Most of these restraints were meant for holding some of the physically stronger sacrifices in the past, but seeing how difficult this one was, we had chosen to put on all the restraints to be certain it didn't escape right before the ritual. Normally, I would have Han be here to as an extra precaution, but whatever kind of poison he has been afflicted with seems to be contagious and has hence been made to stay in the outer court for the time being.
"Papa! You're late!" My cute little Kiko said, looking a little impatient from waiting.
"No! Rather he is right on time, is that not correct mother?" My son Hideyoshi spoke.
"That's right, my little bundle of joy! You made it just in time my dear!" My lovely Ayane spoke as she patted Hideyoshi on the head.
"Hmph!"
While my wife was pampering my son, I couldn't help admiring how cute my little Kiko's plump cheeks are when she pouts. Though, it is probably not something we would say out loud, both me and my wife have clear favorites in regard to our children. While I dote on little Kiko, my wife loves to pamper our son Hideyoshi. My heart burns with both love and affection for this lovely family I have made for myself. Unfortunately, it also burns with pain from my heart problem that is starting to act up again.
"Ugh!"
"Hm? Papa?"
*Thump*
While pinching the cheek of my daughter in bliss, I suddenly clutched my chest in pain, as I fell to my knees.
"PAPA!"
"FATHER!"
"HUBBY!"
It was not long until my loving family came to my aid. As I struggled to breathe, I looked up at the beautiful starry sky as they moved me to the altar.
This relatively small room was constructed many years ago by my orders for this ritual specifically. It has an open roof that on any other day would be covered up to hide it from anyone going for a late-night stroll in the sky. Of course, there is a prohibition on flight in the Nishi Empire during blood moons for this very reason. Though, me and my children understand this as a necessity, most of the world would scorn this sort of ritual as something foul, without considering the importance of its purpose. To save the emperor of the world.
"Ugh! *Gasp*! I-I see a light! This cannot be! I should have at least another 3 years should I not?" I grunted out.
My only regret was that I did not make good on my words to make the Nishi Empire ruler of the world. I was no different from my father in the end.
"I see it to! What is that?"
"Should it not be against the law to fly at this hour? Who has the gall to-!"
"Never mind that! Help me prepare the sacrifice!"
As the light faded, I saw that I had in fact, not died and ascended to heaven as I first thought. The light turned out to just be someone fighting in the sky, though my eyes are too blurry to make out who, and my 6th sense is foggy for some reason.
"WATCHOUT!"
*BANG*
Just as they had fastened the sacrifice on to the alter, before they could begin draining its blood, one of the figures in the sky suddenly fell from above, landing right on top of me. The impact had knocked the air out of my lungs, and the chair beneath me had crumbled under the weight. Whatever was atop of me was absurdly heavy, as I not only couldn't lift it using all of my strength, but just being pinned beneath it made it hard to breathe. As my eyes refocused, I saw what it was.
Using this mighty emperor as its seat, sat an arrogant golem made from a black metal with a blue shine. It was humanoid in shape, but it sported six arms and a pair of large wings on its back. The upper two were proportional to its body, sporting sharp claws, while the other four underneath were thinner with normal fingers. Its wings were nearly as large as its body, the cracks in its wings glowing in shifting color patterns. Its stomach was open, displaying various shifting components, moving around, letting out occasional bursts of steam, as various colors in between its parts would start glowing in various colors before stopping and then repeating the process. Its face was sculpted to look like that of an elderly man. This golem emanated with incredible amounts of energy and was incredibly heavy to boot.
*Rustling chains*
*Muffled shouting*
*Bang*
*Crash*
*Gasp*
Just as I was wondering if I was to die by being crushed under this overweight pile of scrap, someone came to my rescue, and blew that golem away from my person, sending it flying through the wall of the room as I could finally breathe.
*Cough**Cough**Cough*
*Bleurgh*
"Ugh! *Cough*"
Coming down from the sky, coughing profusely and covered in vomit, was Han. Looking closer, I could clearly see some bruises beneath the vomiting stains on his tattered garments. His condition seemed to have worsened since I last saw him, as he was coughing so much now that he had become unable to speak properly, as every breath he took only elicited more coughing. Hence, he chose to communicate his thoughts to us directly through telepathy.
*cough**Cough*
'I apologize for the intrusion, but it appears the imperial palace is currently being assaulted by golems of the Watanabe! Do not threat, I shall dispose of this momentarily!'
"So-*Cough*-ul *Cough* Shattering *Cough* Fi- *cough* -st!"
*Muffled scream*
"Hey there! Sorry to bother you, but I'm lookin for my kids! You wouldn't happen to have-?"
*BOOM*
With a loud explosion, everything in the direction of Han's attack was obliterated leaving nothing behind. This was Han's ultimate attack, Soul Shattering Fist, a technique that even destroys the soul of its target.
*drip*
*Bleurgh*