Chương 400: Chapter : 400

Lancelot melted into the shadows. He moved silently through the palace grounds. He headed toward a secluded, opulent garden pavilion. It was a very quiet place. It was the perfect spot for a private conversation. He waited in the darkness. He knew Zeus was coming. The garden pavilion was located in a very quiet, isolated corner of the Imperial Palace. It was surrounded by tall, lush green hedges. Beautiful white marble columns held up a painted roof. A small, clear pond sat in the center.

The area was completely hidden from the public. The 1st Prince, Zeus Belmontia, walked into the pavilion. He moved with strict, uncompromising authority. He wore his pristine white military uniform. Gold medals decorated his chest. His platinum-blonde hair was perfectly combed. Tiny, jagged sparks of yellow electricity popped around his polished boots. He was a towering, incredibly imposing man. Zeus stopped in the middle of the pavilion. He looked around the empty space.

His piercing green eyes searched the shadows. He felt the overwhelming magical signature. It was close.

"I know you are here," Zeus announced. His deep voice echoed off the marble columns. It was a powerful, commanding voice.

"I tracked your energy from the throne room. Show yourself." The shadows near the pond began to swirl. The air turned freezing cold. The bright sunlight seemed to dim. Lancelot stepped out of the darkness. His black cloak flowed elegantly behind him. The glowing purple eye on his mask stared directly at the 1st Prince. Lancelot projected an aura of absolute, terrifying dominance. Zeus did not attack. He did not draw a weapon. He did something completely shocking.

The strict, arrogant 1st Prince dropped his rigid pride entirely. Zeus fell to one knee. He bowed his head deeply. He placed his right hand over his heart. He showed ultimate, profound respect.

"Great Hero of the Dawn," Zeus stated humbly. He practically begged the masked figure.

"I am incredibly honored by your presence. I have searched for you for a very long time." Lancelot stood perfectly still. He did not speak. He let the Prince explain his presence.

"I know who you are," Zeus continued passionately. He looked up at the glowing mask.

"You are the ultimate power in this Empire. You control the shadows. You dismantle entire criminal syndicates effortlessly. The political landscape knows the truth. Whoever secures your legendary blessing is mathematically guaranteed to become the next Emperor. I need your help." Zeus stood up. He walked one step closer. He looked absolutely desperate to secure his right to the throne.

"Lend your overwhelming, mythical support to my campaign," Zeus pleaded. He threw his arms wide.

"Join the 1st Unit. We share the same vision. We want a strong, flawless Empire. Together, we can crush the weak. We can bring absolute order to this continent. I will give you anything you desire." This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Lancelot stared at the imposing Prince. The purple eye did not blink. The masked god evaluated the desperate man. Then, Lancelot spoke. His voice was deep, echoing, and completely devoid of any human emotion.

It sounded like a cold wind.

"I refuse," Lancelot stated flatly. Zeus froze. His green eyes widened in pure shock. He could not believe the immediate rejection. He was the strongest candidate. He was the favorite to win.

"You refuse?" Zeus asked. His voice cracked slightly. He stepped forward again.

"Why? My military forces are unmatched. My leadership is perfect. I am the only logical choice for the throne. Please, Great Hero. I will bow down to the very ground to earn your allegiance." Zeus literally dropped to his knees again. He placed his hands flat on the stone floor. He bowed his head until it touched the ground. The proudest man in the Empire totally humbled himself before the shadow god. Lancelot looked at the bowing Prince. Ken felt a deep sense of pity mixed with amusement.

Lancelot let out a soft, echoing chuckle. The sound was chilling. It sent cold shivers directly down Zeus's spine.

"You do not understand my nature," Lancelot explained smoothly. His voice carried a profound, ancient wisdom.

"You believe my endorsement is a simple tool. You view my blessing as a guaranteed path to victory." Lancelot paced slowly across the pavilion. His dark cloak swished quietly.

"It is true. My endorsement would absolutely guarantee your coronation. No one could stop you. But you fail to see the consequences of that action." Zeus lifted his head. He looked very confused.

"What consequences? We would bring perfect order."

"If I place you on the throne," Lancelot stated coldly, "I effectively strip the public of their voice. I invalidate the entire purpose of a fair selection. I would create an atmosphere of absolute dictatorship. You would rule through my fear, not through their respect. I fundamentally despise dictatorships." Zeus stood up slowly. He brushed the dirt off his white uniform. He looked incredibly frustrated.

"The public does not know what they want. They need a strong leader to make the hard decisions for them."

"A true leader does not need a shadow god to win an election," Lancelot countered sharply. His glowing purple eye burned brighter.

"A true leader inspires the people. A true leader shows genuine righteousness." Lancelot stopped pacing. He stood directly in front of the tall Prince. The aura of the Sovereign pressed down massively on the pavilion.

"Stop begging for a cheat code, Zeus," Lancelot advised brutally. The words hit the Prince like a physical punch.

"Stop searching for an easy, guaranteed victory. You are completely wasting your potential." Lancelot pointed a dark-gloved finger at the 1st Prince's chest.

"Focus on becoming a genuinely inspiring leader," Lancelot commanded with absolute authority.

"Show the citizens real compassion. Show them true justice. Win their hearts through noble actions. If you manage to do that, you will not need to beg for my help." Lancelot offered one final, profound promise.

"Become the righteous leader this Empire actually needs," Lancelot whispered softly.

"And perhaps, I will naturally be convinced to cast a democratic vote in your favor. Earn the crown. Do not ask me to steal it for you." Zeus stared at the masked figure. His platinum-blonde hair blew in the breeze. His strict, authoritarian pride clashed violently with the wise, humbling advice. He realized the shadow god was completely untouchable. Lancelot could not be bought. Lancelot could not be persuaded by desperate pleas. Zeus lowered his head. He offered a slow, respectful nod.

He finally understood the impossible standard he needed to meet.

"I hear your words, Lancelot," Zeus replied quietly. His voice lost its arrogant edge.

"I will reflect on your counsel." Lancelot did not reply. He took a single step backward into the shadows. The dark magic swirled around his body. In the blink of an eye, the terrifying, masked entity completely vanished from the garden pavilion. The massive, freezing pressure lifted instantly. The warm sunlight returned. Zeus stood alone in the quiet garden. He looked at the spot where the shadow god had stood. The 1st Prince had a lot of thinking to do.

Meanwhile, Ken Eliot materialized back in the palace hallway.