Chapter 32
In that instant, she felt a warmth spread through her body, followed by a burst of light.
“As expected, it’s light, the same as the divine power.”
Julia clapped her hands in admiration.
“You must be blessed by the god Erun, Jia. Light magic is extremely rare.”
“Ah……”
Jia softly sighed, feeling the lingering traces of magic within her. Unlike divine power, magic left a distinct afterglow.
“Now it’s time to learn how to control your magic. I’m so happy to finally be able to help you properly.”
Julia rolled up the sleeves of her dress. The gesture, so like a knight preparing for battle, made Jia laugh.
“Yes, please. ……Thank you, Julia.”
Jia remained oblivious to the inner workings and political climate of the imperial palace. She didn’t want to concern herself with such matters. She wanted to remember only the enjoyable and peaceful times she spent with Julia. I’m… just an ordinary human. Someday, I’ll return to Earth.
***
Jia only surfaced from her magical studies when the moonlight began to filter through the windows. She hadn’t realized how much time had passed; it had been surprisingly engaging.
“Jia, this is true talent. Even Master Bane, the highest authority at the Magic Academy, would acknowledge it.”
Julia praised her, though Jia couldn’t tell if she was serious or joking. She simply smiled, accepting the compliment without question.
Her steps were light as she walked towards the Emperor’s bedchamber. For the first time since her arrival, she felt like a person, not a slave, and the feeling was exhilarating. She felt useful, as if she might finally escape the shackles of her lowly status.
The doors of the cubiculum opened. The sight that greeted her instantly extinguished her buoyant mood, like sand swept away by a wave.
Six captives, bound with ropes, knelt in a line. Jia’s body began to tremble involuntarily, a visceral reaction triggered by past memories.
“You’ve arrived at the perfect time.”
The Emperor greeted her as if he had been expecting her. Jia stared blankly at him, standing before the captives. Come here. He mouthed the words, and Jia, like a puppet, moved to his side.
“You’ve learned magic. Test it on ‘this.’”
This? He was pointing at a person, not an object. The captive trembled, looking at Jia with pleading eyes.
“Yo… Your Majesty, I……”
Jia’s hands shook. She wasn’t cruel or heartless enough to kill someone begging for their life. Regardless of the prevailing mindset in this place, she couldn’t bring herself to kill an innocent person.
“I… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I… I can’t……”
She knelt, clasping her hands together. She would rather endure the pain herself. However horrific the pain, at least she survived. But for these captives, life or death hung on the Emperor’s whim.
“How disappointing.”
“I… I’m… so… sor…ry. Please… just… let me go.”
Why had he summoned these captives, demanding she kill them herself? Was he displeased about something? About her learning magic? But that, too, was for his benefit. Jia pleaded, her hands clasped tightly together.
“I brought these here specifically for you to test your magic.”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed. Jia closed her eyes, anticipating the inevitable pain.
But instead of pain, she heard a scream beside her. Opening her eyes, she turned her head. A captive, an arm severed, writhed on the floor, screaming in agony.
“If you won’t do it, I will.”
The Emperor’s hand moved to the next captive. This one lost a leg.
“Aaaaagh!”
Blood splattered, staining the white marble floor crimson. Jia froze, blood spattering her cheek.
This was unprecedented. The Emperor always killed swiftly, never resorting to torture. … Why? Because of me?
“No, Uhh, Agh!”
By the time he reached the sixth captive, each had lost a limb. All of them screamed in agony, writhing on the floor.
As Jia stood speechless, watching the horrific scene unfold, the Emperor’s hand moved again.
“Haaaagh!”
“It hurts, it hurts!”
“Aghhh!”
Jia’s lips parted in horror at the surreal scene. No… she finally whispered.
“Do you feel like testing your magic now?”
“Yo… Your Majesty… why… why are you doing this? Have I… have I done something wrong?”
“Wrong? Hmm, yes. You have. You dared to force my hand.”
The Emperor spoke, his body covered in blood.
My fault? It’s my fault?
Why should I kill these people? Why?
Tears of frustration welled in her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, one of the captives screamed.
“Just kill me! Please, just kill me!”
The words were directed at Jia. The other captives echoed the plea.
“Kill us! Please, make it stop! Make it stop!”
Jia looked at them, her expression hollow. Unlike the captives writhing on the floor, she remained motionless, kneeling with an unnatural stillness, gazing down at them with a detached, almost regal air.
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