[BL] Seducing Male Leads To Survive As A Villain In A Novel-Chapter 342: Dark Energy

They Emperor, Nobles and the Royalties had all arrived at the Temple.

A great many villagers and commoners were already there, all gathered for the prayers. They surrounded the temple grounds and paid their homage as the Emperor and the nobles arrived.

The Emperor walked through the path cleared for him while the people chanted his name in praises. The nobles and royalties followed, making their way into the Temple. They moved to the sides of the hall while the Emperor took his place in the center.

Everyone was standing—both those inside the temple and the crowds outside. The spiritual ceremony was about to begin, and an immense silence fell as they waited.

Then, the priest arrived.

No one knew who he was; they couldn’t even see his face. He wore a red garment that extended to his feet, a red hood over his head, and a veil covering half of his face. It was nearly impossible to make out his features.

And it was a pretty much an intentional act because it was clear that he didn’t wish for anyone to know who he was. Even though it was in disguise of dressing in an appropriate manner for the prayer session; Mr Albert didn’t wish them to know he was. And the Emperor has approved of his disguise as well.

The atmosphere was calm and solemn as the priest moved through the audience and entered the temple. He was accompanied by young men who waved censers, spreading the scent of incense along the pathway.

He arrived before the huge golden statue of the dragon and began the prayers. Everyone joined in, offering their devotion to the dragon god.

When that was done, the priest sprayed incense around the statue and began a low incantation. Uttering hymns and prayers to the gods while the audience joined in in some aspects.

He completed the basic rites—enough to satisfy the audience. Then he turned toward them, and his eyes met the Emperor’s.

They exchanged no gestures, only a steady look. It was enough to let each other know that it was time to act.

Elvis had been keeping his eyes on the Emperor all this while. He couldn’t help but notice that brief, deliberate eye contact between the emperor and the priest. He found it strange, even though it was just a stare. Now, he grew even more suspicious of what it could mean.

The priest instructed everyone to go down on their knees in meditation. He urged them to clear their minds and sink into silence.

They all complied without question. Everyone knelt, closed their eyes, and began to meditate—including the Emperor. Ultimate silence filled the room as each person entered a meditative state.

Then the Priest began to speak words of incantation. They were in a language the audience did not understand, but which felt like prayers.

He continued chanting, standing before the statue with his eyes closed and hands pressed together.

The priest had shifted into the spiritual realm; his eyes glowed red. He chanted the inaudible words loudly and cohesively throughout the temple.

The words gripped the audience and pulled them deeper into themselves. Everyone was physically present, but they had all slipped into unconsciousness—possessed by the chant, unaware of their surroundings.

Dark energy began to fill the temple. Black smoke flowed through the air, circling the audience who were already drawn into another realm of thought and existence.

The dark smoke seeped into them, preparing to do its work—stealing their energy cores.

Only the Emperor was free from it. He was unaffected, even as he knelt with his eyes shut. He was clearly immune.

*****

"I think this one tastes better," Eden smiled, licking the stick candy in his hand.

"Are you sure? I like this one better," Helen insisted. The two were walking through the bustling city streets while enjoying the candies they had bought.

"This flavor is really good. It tastes like something they’d make in my world," Eden explained.

"You should get more of it, then. Once we’re back at the academy, you won’t be getting it anytime soon," Helen said.

"Right," Eden agreed. "I should sneak some back with me."

They continued walking when Eden suddenly stopped. He looked up at the sky, his expression changing.

Helen noticed. "What’s wrong?" She stared up as well, then back at him.

Eden was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the sky. "Magic..." he finally said.

"Huh?" Helen was confused. "Magic? Where?" She looked up but saw nothing.

"Someone is using really strong magic here," Eden explained.

"Is that so?" Helen peered upward. "What are they doing...?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Stealing spirit cores from people," Eden said. "In a diabolical manner."

"That sounds terrible..." She kept staring at the sky.

"And I think I recognize this magic..." Eden added.

"Huh? Really?"

Eden looked around. "I have to stop it before they succeed." He turned down another route, and Helen followed.

They walked past several shops before finding a secluded corner where no one was around—a place where Eden could use his powers without being seen.

Helen stood watch as Eden drew a blade across his palm. Blood streamed down his hand as he closed his eyes.

He summoned a purple and red mix of magical mist that hovered above his palm. With his eyes still closed, he whispered an incantation.

The purple and red smoke swirled together, then shot into the sky, racing in the direction of the dark energy.

The conjured smoke arrived at the temple, spilling inside before spreading throughout the space. It didn’t end there—a red haze filled the hall, snapping everyone out of their trance.

People began coughing, their eyes flying open as the red smoke thickened into a crimson mist that hung in the air.

The priest’s eyes—now returned to normal—snapped open. He stared through the crimson mist that had taken over the temple.

He gasped. He didn’t need anyone to explain what was happening. He knew all too well.

"What the..." he muttered.