White energy surged around Rin's seated form, coiling like serpents made of light. His bones groaned beneath the pressure. Muscles flexed. Sweat dripped. He was using the ancient Solas purification method to refine his blood,cleansing every cell, strengthening every fiber of his being.
But it wasn't enough.
Even with his bloodline, even with this technique, it was too slow. The Tyrant System demanded blood and dominance. Points didn't come from sitting cross-legged. They came from fear, admiration, conquest.
"I need more," Rin whispered, teeth clenched. "Faster. Stronger. No time to waste."
The plan forming in his mind was brutal. Ruthless. The kind of scheme he'd have never even considered back on Earth. But this wasn't Earth.
This was a hostile world,one that had annihilated billions of his people.
Mercy was for the strong. He was not yet strong enough.
---
Later that day, Rin was getting ready to visit his uncle.
Aurex Solas,the Emperor's younger brother. The man who ruled the East province, a powerful Soul Stage warrior, and, according to the original Rin, the "kindest" of the Solas family.
But the original Rin also thought Kaelion was a good person.
So, Rin stayed cautious.
The meeting was set in a quiet, elegant restaurant. Aurex sat waiting at a central table, dressed in simple noble robes, his long silver hair tied back, eyes unreadable. There was no one else in that restaurant.
"Sit, Rin," Aurex said. "Try the meat. It's rare,imported from the north. Only served to people the with high status."
Rin smiled thinly and sat.
After a silent minute Aurex got to the point.
"Tension is rising between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince," he said, pouring wine.
Rin feigned mild surprise. "Oh? I hadn't noticed."
Aurex chuckled. "Don't lie. It doesn't suit you."
Rin stayed silent.
"I'm not here to scold you," Aurex continued. "Just to give advice. Stay out of it."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Out of what, exactly?"
"The succession battle," Aurex said flatly. "You and Kaelion fighting over borderlands, land disputes, border authority,that's tolerable. But the throne? That's different. Stay out of the fight between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince."
Rin leaned back. "But I have no power. No allies. Why would you think I'm involved?"
Aurex smirked. "You don't have to admit it, but I already know Varros is on your side. When an 'accident' occurs, the first question is: who benefited? And in this case, you benefited the most."
Rin didn't blink.
Aurex raised his cup. "Still. I'm not angry. It's smart. Varros is a powerful ally. You're clever to align with him. Just don't interfere with the capital's matters."
"Why not?" Rin asked. "Why is my conflict with Kaelion acceptable, but not theirs?"
Aurex's smile faded. "your fight is also not acceptable but there is nothing i can and if you pick a prince, and if I pick a side . And Arkan will follow his own choice. Then the entire empire fractures. A civil war,Solas versus Solas. The west would devour us before we even finish bleeding."
Rin nodded slowly. "So you're saying… let the princes kill each other, but don't split the empire."
"Exactly," Aurex said. "Let them fight. One will die. One will win. Then we move on."
"…What about the Emperor?" Rin asked. "why are they fighting when he is still here?"
Aurex's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Emperor… failed to break through again. His body's wasting away. He's dying."
That made Rin pause.
"And yet," Aurex continued bitterly, "he still refuses to name me as heir. I've reached the Soul Stage. I've ruled the east for decades. But he insists,his successor must be one of his sons. Even if it breaks the empire."
Rin realized the depth of the political knot.
Aurex had the power. He was respected. But tradition and pride barred him from the throne.
Because only the Emperor, before death, could pass on the Solas Soul Flame,the unique inheritance that granted full control over the past emperors powers. Without it, no one,not even a Soul Stage cultivator ,could truly rule from the throne.even the Emperor who wasn't at soul stage ,but he has the soul flame so no one can argue against him.
And the Emperor refused to give it to Aurex.
So the capital remained in limbo… as the outer regions frayed, and battle lines sharpened.
"I'll speak to Kaelion," Aurex said. "Try to delay the conflict between you two. At least until the succession issue is resolved. And until we crush the West."
Rin nodded. "Understood, Uncle."
But inwardly, his thoughts were racing.
The Emperor is dying. The princes are at war. Aurex can't take the throne. And I…
Rin smiled faintly to himself.
I'll take everything from them.