EMPEROR'S RECKONING

Chapter 1134 Emperor Rakumtatak

The sudden appearance of Rakumtatak had an immediate impact on the atmosphere. Cecile and Selena, ever vigilant, exchanged stern looks that conveyed a clear message to Lyon – a silent warning that echoed their shared concern for his safety. Lyon, accustomed to facing formidable opponents, took note of this unspoken communication and understood the gravity of the situation. It was the first time he had witnessed Cecile's usual confidence replaced by a tinge of wariness, signaling that Rakumtatak was not to be underestimated.

As Lyon contemplated the dynamics at play, the emissaries from the Forgotten Lotus Clan seemed oblivious to the palpable tension. Seizing what they perceived as an opportunity to assert their presence, the men from the clan, driven by misplaced confidence, decided to challenge the orc emperor. Their decision, however, revealed their ignorance about the true identity of Rakumtatak, an oversight that would soon prove costly.

The lead emissary, wearing an air of false bravado, stepped forward and addressed Rakumtatak with misplaced arrogance. "You there, orc! This is our territory, and we won't tolerate your presence. Challenge us if you dare!" His words, intended as a display of dominance, carried an undertone of ignorance, a lack of awareness about the colossal force they were provoking.

Rakumtatak, in response, met their challenge with an amused glint in his eyes. He chuckled a deep and resonant sound that echoed across the realm, before casting a bemused look at Lyon. "Seems like your friends here haven't heard the legends, Emperor Torga," he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Cecile and Selena, observing the unfolding spectacle, exchanged knowing glances. The orc emissaries, fueled by misguided audacity, continued to taunt Rakumtatak, unaware that their actions were about to incur the wrath of an emperor whose legendary status surpassed their comprehension.

Rakumtatak's sneer was matched by an air of disdain as he regarded the emissaries from the Forgotten Lotus Clan. His contempt for them was palpable, evident in the way he dismissed them as "pesky little unworthy things." The orc emperor, unimpressed and unfazed by their challenge, decided to make a resounding statement.

With a single resolute stomp, Rakumtatak sent shockwaves through the ground, causing a tremor that left the emissaries struggling to maintain their balance. The hovering bird, sensing the impending danger, cawed in distress, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. In the face of this unbridled power, the emissaries found themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their understanding.

Seizing the opportunity, Rakumtatak, with a sinister grin, reached for two of the emissaries, his grip like a vice closing around their faces. The disturbing noise that followed was a testament to the overwhelming strength he possessed. As he clenched his fists, a gut-wrenching sound echoed, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of those who bore witness to the spectacle.

Without hesitation, Rakumtatak pushed the hapless emissaries away, their bodies sent hurtling through the air. The sheer force of the orc's actions left no room for resistance or retaliation. The scene unfolded with a brutal efficiency that underscored the vast disparity in power between the orc emperor and those who had dared to challenge him.

Rakumtatak's attention shifted to the lone emissary who had managed to escape his initial display of power. With a demeanor that exuded both authority and menace, the orc emperor singled him out, delivering a directive that carried the weight of an imperial decree. His voice, a deep rumble filled with undisputed dominance, echoed across the Fourth Hell.

"You," Rakumtatak began, his eyes fixed on the remaining emissary, "go back and tell your clan that this realm is reserved for The Ogre and The Zodiac. Warn them not to meddle where power beyond their comprehension resides."

The emissary, caught in the grip of the orc emperor's overwhelming presence, could only nod in reluctant agreement. His attempt to convey submission was cut short as Rakumtatak, with an almost casual motion, seized him by the throat. The orc's fingers tightened, emphasizing the fragility of the emissary's position in the face of such overwhelming strength.

A low growl escaped Rakumtatak's lips as he continued to address the emissary, his words laden with a promise and a warning. "Remember this lesson, for your clan's sake. There are powers in these realms that you are not equipped to challenge." With a final, disdainful sneer, the orc emperor released his grip, sending the emissary hurtling through the air.

The emissary's trajectory intersected with the path of the giant bird that had carried them, both figures disappearing into the distant horizon. The sheer force of Rakumtatak's actions left an indelible impression on any who witnessed it, a stark reminder of the hierarchy of power that governed the Fourth Hell. The orc emperor stood unyielding, a formidable figure against the backdrop of a realm reserved for the clash of titans.

Rakumtatak's grin widened as he faced Lyon, the lines on his weathered face betraying an expression of both amusement and recognition. His arms, adorned with bulging muscles, crossed in a gesture that exuded confidence, a silent proclamation of his stature in the realm. The air crackled with an unspoken tension as the two formidable beings locked eyes.

"Well, well, look at you," Rakumtatak boomed, his voice resonating with a mixture of familiarity and a touch of mockery. "Not showing your face over countless years, and you returned with a younger face."

Cecile, standing by Lyon's side, couldn't let the comment pass without clarification. Her frown deepened as she interjected, "He died, Rakumtatak." Her words hung in the air, emphasizing the gravity of Lyon's journey through the realms and the sacrifices he had made.

Rakumtatak's laughter resonated through the Fourth Hell, a guttural sound that echoed off the roots and cliffs. "So you managed to beat even death," he remarked, a snort underscoring his amusement. "Matters not, if you're real, you will keep your promise then."

As the echoes of their banter lingered in the air, a sudden warcry pierced the atmosphere. It was Kesya, returning with an unrestrained fury that seemed to emanate from the depths of her dark-elf origins. Her hair, now pitch black, signified the intensity of her emotions and the unleashing of her formidable power.

"This is not your playground, little one," Rakumtatak declared as if addressing a child, his demeanor shifting from banter to a more serious tone. Despite Kesya's frenzied assault, Rakumtatak moved with an uncanny nimbleness, defying the stereotypical image of orcs as brutal and rigid beings. The onlookers, including Karina, were astounded by the orc's agility, a stark deviation from the expectations associated with his race.

The clash between Kesya and Rakumtatak unfolded like a mesmerizing dance of power and skill. Each movement, each strike, painted a vivid picture of their clash of wills. The air crackled with the energy of their confrontation, a testament to the formidable forces at play in the Fourth Hell. The unfolding spectacle held the attention of all present, a dynamic interplay of strength, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of the realms.

"You must be kidding..." muttered Lyon as he saw how Kesya, one of the most powerful beings he had encountered was being dealt with like an amateur in front of Rakumtatak.

Cecile seeing the opportunity grabbed Lyon's shoulder, dragging him away, "Lyon, we need to run,?you're not powerful enough to deal with him."

Cecile, sensing the intensity of the battle between Kesya and Rakumtatak, seized the opportunity and firmly grasped Lyon's shoulder. With urgency in her eyes, she began to pull him away from the escalating conflict. "Lyon, we need to run," she insisted, her voice carrying the weight of concern. "You're not powerful enough to deal with him."

Lyon, torn between the unfolding spectacle and Cecile's urgent plea, hesitated for a moment. The clash of powers behind them intensified, each strike reverberating through the Fourth Hell. The air crackled with the palpable energy of their confrontation. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝙚𝒘𝙚𝙗𝙣𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝙘𝒐𝓶

Selena, aligning with Cecile's judgment, added her voice to the plea. "She's right, Lyon. This is not a battle you can win at the moment. We need a better plan, a strategy to face someone of Rakumtatak's caliber."

Cecile tightened her grip on Lyon's shoulder, her eyes locking onto his. "We'll find a way to deal with him, but it won't be here and now. Trust us, Lyon. There's strength in retreat when it's the strategic move."

"But Kesya!?" Lyon protested, his reluctance evident in his voice as he cast a worried gaze back at the ongoing battle. The clash between Kesya and Rakumtatak unfolded like a turbulent storm, the echoes of their conflict reaching the depths of Lyon's concern.

Cecile, maintaining her resolve, responded to Lyon's concern. "Kesya is strong, Lyon, and she knows her limits. We can't help her by rushing in blindly. Our best chance lies in regrouping and finding a strategy to confront Rakumtatak together."

Selena added, "Trust Kesya to hold her ground. We'll come back for her, but right now, we need to ensure our own safety and plan our approach carefully."

As Lyon reluctantly followed Cecile and Selena, his mind churned with a mix of emotions—concern for Kesya's well-being, frustration at his own current limitations, and the burning desire to settle the unresolved matters with Rakumtatak.

---

Dear Emperor's Reckoning Readers,

Love the story? Support its journey here:

https://www.panda-novel.com/book/emperor's-reckoning_10391832705024305

Your backing, through comments or contributions, shapes the tale.

Big Thanks,

Big_Yellow