The Eternal Empire: Shadows of the Past and Present
Ren and Sakura sat in the grand library, flipping through aged tomes that chronicled centuries of conflict and intrigue. Their laughter echoed softly among the towering shelves, breaking the solemn quiet as they stumbled upon some of the more amusing anecdotes.
"I remember that in 2030," Sakura began, mischief dancing in her eyes, "World War III had just begun. You enlisted as a foot soldier under the Black Dragon Legion. What was that absurd alias you chose? Wasn't it… Gun Jack?"
Ren smirked, shutting the book in his hands with a quiet thud. "Yes, Gun Jack. I shapeshifted into a man with pure blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and adopted a South London accent. Passed myself off as an eager recruit straight from London, even forged a letter vouching for my loyalty. Took some effort to make them trust me."
Sakura chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, I remember the act well. The stories you told me whenever you slipped away for visits. Talia barely tolerated the ruse, but Bai and Mariko played along flawlessly. And Cecilia… well, she never bothered pretending. Flirting with you was simply routine for her, regardless of the circumstances."
Ren sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Cecilia has always lived by her own rules. Other people's opinions never mattered to her—not when she was younger, and certainly not now."
Sakura nodded, studying him thoughtfully. "Not perfect, no. Married three times, left each husband when they no longer met her needs. Took everything they owned… It's no wonder some see her as a devil, given the destruction she leaves in her wake."
Ren leaned back against the shelves, gazing at the rows of books before them, the weight of history pressing in from all sides. "She plays the world like a chessboard. Always has. And yet, sometimes I wonder if she ever truly wins."
Before Sakura could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Prince Ren, Princess Sakura, it's a pleasure to see you two engrossed in history."
They turned to see Mrs. Min, her warm smile lighting up the room.
"Hello, Mrs. Min," Ren greeted her, regaining his composure. "I was just showing my cousin around the library when we came across this book. We thought we'd take a look."
Mrs. Min's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Ah, a fine choice! How's your first day, Princess Sakura?"
"It's been wonderful," Sakura replied earnestly. "The university is beautiful, and the library is a treasure trove of knowledge. I can see why it's so renowned."
Mrs. Min smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that! With Ren's help, I'm sure you'll thrive here. Anyway, I must be off. Take care, both of you! I hope to see you again soon. Prince Ren, it's always a pleasure, and I'm glad I finally get to meet your cousin. She is as magnificent as I imagined."
As Mrs. Min departed, Sakura glanced at Ren. "She's quite remarkable, isn't she? A warrior of unparalleled skill who's now an inspiring teacher. It's good to see her at peace."
Ren nodded. "I agree. It's comforting to see her finding joy and purpose. Come on, the others are waiting for us at home."
The next day, the newly appointed generals convened in the war council chamber. Vast screens displayed intricate schematics—advanced military technology engineered to redefine the nature of warfare. Within the ranks of the Eternal Empire, soldiers had been reborn into something greater—enhanced, sharpened, and transformed into elite warriors capable of reaching peak human potential.
Across the world, the Eternal Empire's name evoked admiration, awe… and fear. Its growing dominance unsettled nations, each one wary of its strength.
Among the assembled leaders stood:
Tension crackled in the air.
Lucis stepped forward, his expression grave. "You have all been summoned to address a critical matter—the United Kingdom is preparing to wage war against us."
A murmur swept through the chamber.
The generals rose as one, their voices ringing in unison. "We honour your eternal Imperial Majesty. The Eternal Empire will endure in the people's hearts for generations, never forgotten, never lost to darkness. It will shine brightly in the eternal flames of the Black Dragon!"
Aho scowled, her voice cold with contempt. "They must be desperate to defy us. The Three-Eyed Raven House—the current rulers of the United Kingdom—have chosen recklessness over reason. And Cecilia… this was your doing, wasn't it?"
Cecilia folded her arms, her violet gaze unwavering. "Was I supposed to know? Please don't blame me for her actions. The power I bestowed upon her only strengthened her resolve after all the torment she endured from the three-eyed Raven House."
Lucis raised a hand, silencing the murmurs.
"Regardless, we must appoint a leader for this battle. I propose Ren. He knows the land—its strengths, its weaknesses. There is no one better suited."
The generals exchanged glances, nodding in agreement.
"It is decided," Lucis declared. "Ren will lead our forces."
From among them, Bai stepped forward, her hand resting over Ren's heart. "I will wait for your return, my beloved."
Cecilia, ever poised, spoke next. "If you permit me, Eternal Empress Bai, I wish to accompany Ren. It has been years since I last walked England's streets—I would like the time alone with him."
Bai met her mother's gaze, unreadable. "No, Mother. Stay here—with your daughters. We should catch up, don't you think?" Her words carried a warmth that held an unmistakable finality.
Cecilia inhaled, then exhaled, nodding. "Certainly, Eternal Empress Bai. A fine idea."
Ren adjusted his cloak, steadying himself. The weight of duty pressed against his shoulders. He had led before, but this was different. This time, he was returning to a place that had once been home, now an enemy.
At his side, Talia and Mariko remained close, their presence providing him with a sense of grounding.
Bai leaned in, her breath soft against his ear. "Ren… I will wait for your return—after you conquer the United Kingdom." She pressed herself against him, the warmth of her lips tracing his neck, an intimate promise woven into the farewell.
As Ren prepared to leave, another presence entered the room—the ever-enigmatic Cecilia.
Her beauty was undeniable—raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders, violet eyes deep with quiet knowing. Ren studied her for a moment, allowing the weight of her presence to settle.
Few could resist her. Many had tried, but none had truly captured her heart.
Though she had buried three husbands, she had never loved them.
Her heart had only ever belonged to Ren.
And her daughters.
Cecilia and Ren's mother had been childhood friends—almost like sisters, inseparable despite their parents' attempts to keep them apart. Where Ren's mother was gentle and nurturing, Cecilia had been playful and mischievous, a force of nature.
Life had taken them down different paths. Ren's mother had married young, swept into love's embrace, while Cecilia had wed a man chosen by her parents—a multi-quadrillionaire, powerful yet hollow in her eyes. She had never known love, only expectation.
Still, she had remained by her friend's side, present at every childbirth, witnessing the happiness she had been denied. And though Cecilia never voiced it, she had been happy for her—truly, achingly happy.
Ren watched as Cecilia approached him, her daughters stepping aside with reluctant glances. Without hesitation, she pushed him back, pressing herself atop him, guiding his hand to her bare chest. She smiled—confident, deliberate.
"I've missed your touch," she murmured. "We should make the most of our time together… my daughters aren't very patient."
The weight of history settled between them—the unspoken past, tangled and undeniable.
The next day, Ren prepared to step through the portal. He turned back, offering a brief smile before vanishing into the unknown.
When he emerged, he stood in a narrow alley. The world had changed.
Above him, vehicles glided effortlessly through the air, sleek and weightless. Neon lights stretched across towering skyscrapers, holographic billboards flickered with advertisements, their glow casting shifting colours on the city below. London was transformed—modernised beyond recognition.
Approaching his waiting vehicle, he exhaled.
"Nara, you should have seen this place in my day. It's nothing like what it used to be."
Through the tinted glass, he caught sight of Big Ben, its historic presence dwarfed by the sprawling cityscape. He barely had time to process it before a familiar figure came into view.
Stella Moreno, perched near the clock tower, smiled—serene, expectant.
"I missed you, Ren Black Dragon. I'll be waiting for you at the clock tower."
Ren looked away, reaching for a glass of vodka.
"Nara, find us the best hotel. We need somewhere comfortable—somewhere we can unwind."
"No need to worry, Prince Ren," Yuki Chibana interjected smoothly. "My family owns the finest hotel here."
Ren glanced at her. "That's great to hear."
The hotel suite was nothing short of extravagant. A private sauna, swimming pool, cinema room, pool table, home bar—the finest comforts money could buy.
As Ren wandered the room, his gaze landed on the newest PlayStation console. He smirked, powered it on, signed in, and lost himself in the game for hours, the quiet hum of the city fading behind him.
Eventually, he paused.
"You can come in now, since you've been standing near the door, contemplating whether you're ready to talk to me, Yuki Chibana."
A moment later, the door creaked open.
Yuki entered, dressed in a stunning white gown adorned with intricate snow patterns, a high thigh slit revealing the elegance of her movements. Draped across her shoulders, a snow-white fox fur wrap enhanced her regal presence.
Her beauty was undeniable—pitch-black hair streaked with silver-white, translucent blue-grey eyes sharp as glass, lips soft and pale, almost ethereal.
She bowed respectfully. "Prince Ren, my grandfather wishes to speak with you, if you permit him to enter your room."
Ren chuckled. "He may enter."
Kouki Chibana. CEO of Dawn Industries. The most powerful technological force in Japan. And one of the most influential men in the world.
Kouki Chibana's presence carried weight, his reputation stretching across continents. As CEO of Dawn Industries, he commanded power unlike most. But today, his focus was singular.
"Prince Ren, it is an honor to meet the descendant of the Black Dragon," he said, his tone measured. "I wish to offer my granddaughter's hand in marriage. Though you are both still young, such a union would fortify our families' influence and standing."
Ren met his gaze, unflinching. "An interesting proposal. What does she think of it?"
Kouki gave a calculated nod. "Initially, she opposed the idea. But upon reflection, she has come to understand the significance of your bloodline—the strength it could bring to her future children, to our families."
Ren was silent for a moment, contemplating the weight of such a decision. Then, he exhaled, the answer clear.
"I understand. You may leave. I have other matters to attend to."
As the doors closed behind them, Ren shifted his thoughts to the clock tower.
Stella Moreno stood in waiting, her silhouette illuminated against the neon lights of the city.
"Ren, I'm so glad you're here." Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "It seems the Three-Eyed Raven bloodline is nearing its end."
Before he could respond, she closed the distance, pressing her lips to his in a fervent kiss, playfully biting his lip. Her hands worked with urgency, tearing at his clothes, her gaze drinking in the sight of him.
She traced his jawline, fingers brushing over his crimson-black eyes—an anomaly, mesmerizing against the stark contrast of his white hair. Slowly, she removed his mask, his glasses, his hat, exposing the full depth of his face.
Ren's gaze settled on her bare neck, the delicate curvature tempting. His fingers ran through her dark brunette hair, eyes locking onto her pitch-black gaze, her ghostly pale skin.
He held her, indulging in her warmth, his lips grazing her ear as his hands traced her form.
Ren carried her effortlessly, laying her onto the bed as they surrendered to the night.
Some time later, Stella exhaled against him, her body relaxed in the aftermath.
"Do you truly have to leave? Stay a little longer." Her voice was soft, persuasive. "There's no rush in winning this little war—the United Kingdom sealed its fate the moment it defied the Eternal Empire."
Ren smirked. "You're right—I'm in no hurry. I've missed the sights of my birthplace. It's been too long. Some of my descendants still live here."
She traced idle patterns across his chest. "Do you miss them? The ones who refused your offer of immortality?"
Ren was quiet for a beat before answering. "Occasionally. But it's not all bad. They exist in the afterlife I created—I can still see them. I simply haven't had the time… nor the right moment. I promised them I would visit when I could."
She hummed. "That won't be for quite some time, my love."
Ren's gaze drifted toward the moon, contemplation settling in. "I should return to my old home—it still belongs to my family."
Stella shifted beside him. "First, let's visit King Jaime and Queen Guinevere. I admit, I'm curious—my ex-husband's descendant, King Jaime… I'd like to speak with him before he passes."
Ren grinned. "Then let's go see what kind of man he is, shall we?"
The royal palace loomed ahead, its grand architecture fused with cutting-edge security. AI cameras monitored every corner. Guards stood stationed at every gate. Automated machine guns remained poised, AI drones hovering above.
As Ren and Stella approached the entrance, their presence did not go unnoticed. The moment their figures registered on the surveillance system, weapons shifted—machine guns locked onto them, drones zeroing in.
The guards exchanged wary glances.
Into the communication line, a female guard spoke, her voice laced with authority.
"Queen Guinevere, it appears that Prince Ren has come to visit—accompanied by Duchess Stella."
"Allow them to come inside."
Queen Guinevere instructed, her voice smooth, unreadable.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the female guard confirmed.
The gates parted, and Ren and Stella were escorted through the palace's grand entrance.
Ren's gaze drifted across the gilded halls, past towering tapestries and polished marble floors. As he walked, his attention was drawn to the gallery—portraits lined in chronological succession, the lineage of rulers carefully preserved.
He paused before the family tree, tracing the names with narrowed eyes. The House of Black Raven—the ruling dynasty—stood at the center. A name steeped in history, tangled with power.
Beside him, Stella moved with practiced ease, her posture perfectly composed. Despite her serene facade, he knew there was more beneath it. The complexity of her past with the House of Black Raven had left its scars, though she never spoke of them outright.
The guards reached the chamber doors and pushed them open. Darkness enveloped the space beyond.
Within, two figures sat at an ornate table, bathed in the dim glow of candlelight.
They did not rise.
They did not speak.
Instead, they watched, sipping their tea, the soft clink of porcelain filling the silence.
They were waiting.