Dancing on the golden ashes

The men on the ground suddenly scrambled to their feet, attempting to flee, but I extended a single finger. Black chains erupted from the air, snaking toward them and coiling tightly around their bodies. The chains yanked them back down to their knees with a forceful snap. My Soul Shackle skill had grown to such a level that controlling people like this felt effortless.

The only one who didn't move was their leader. For all his faults, he still retained a shred of dignity—unlike his pathetic subordinates.

"You might as well sit still and wait for your deaths," I said coldly, my voice carrying a finality that made them tremble. "Don't think you can escape me. I'll give you a choice: a quick death, or ages of torture. Decide wisely."

It took about ten minutes for Seong-Hoon and Eun-Woo to return, with Jieun and Min-Jeong following close behind. Both girls looked sharp, though Min-Jeong's pink hair and timid demeanor betrayed her unease. She wasn't used to situations like this yet.

"Empress, this is…?" Min-Jeong asked hesitantly.

"How many kills do you need to reach King level?" I asked casually, leaning back on my throne.

"Me?" Her eyes widened as panic bubbled in her voice. "Ah! Yes, um—just one more! I've only killed one before, and he was an awful man, and I—!"

Before she could finish, one of the men's heads exploded, his body consumed by celestial light before dissolving into nothingness.

Min-Jeong yelped and stumbled back, her expression frozen in shock. But Jieun… Jieun stood still, her face completely devoid of emotion. The little girl was far more ruthless than I'd anticipated, which unsettled me slightly. She hadn't waited for me to give the order. She already knew what she needed to do and acted without hesitation.

"Pick your target and end him," Jieun instructed Min-Jeong, her voice cold and devoid of warmth. "This is an opportunity given to you by Big Sis Gaon. Don't waste it."

"Ye-Yes!" Min-Jeong stammered, her hands trembling. Suddenly, a massive vine erupted from the ground, impaling another man straight through the skull. His lifeless body crumpled, leaving only six of them kneeling before me.

"Where are the others?" I asked, absently twirling a strand of hair between my fingers.

"They're on their way," Eun-Woo responded confidently. "Would you like us to summon them faster?"

"No need," I replied with a smirk, watching the remaining men squirm in terror. "Tell me about the individuals who will be joining the ranks of the Kings."

Seong-Hoon stepped forward, dropping to one knee like a knight and placing his hand on his chest.

"My empress…" he said with exaggerated seriousness, his tone dripping with theatrics that made my body shiver—not in a good way.

"Who the fuck are you?" I snapped, flicking my finger and sending a weak air blast at him. The impact launched him straight out of the main door.

"There he goes again," Eun-Woo sighed, shaking his head as if this were a daily occurrence. "I wonder if this will become a regular thing, knowing him."

At least someone here could still function like a normal person.

"Gaon," Eun-Woo continued, "the others are two men and one woman. They joined shortly after you left, and I've personally vetted them. They're trustworthy and skilled warriors, all close to level 50." Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire

Finally, someone who could actually provide useful answers.

"Thanks," I said, nodding in approval and giving him a warm smile. "What about their roles?" I leaned forward slightly, my curiosity piqued. Their roles would determine their true value. I silently hoped for something unique—gamblers, perhaps. Anything other than another standard role would be a blessing.

"How about they introduce themselves to you? They're almost here," he replied, his tone calm and assured.

"Fair enough. Oh, and Eun-Woo," I said, "can you grab Seong-Hoon and make him behave? I have a very special message to share with all of you once this is over."

"Sure thing!" he roared, his booming voice echoing through the hall. Without hesitation, he rushed out to retrieve the idiot from wherever he had crash-landed.

A few quiet minutes passed before Malrang strolled into the room. She had been spending her time hunting outside recently, often bringing back food for the empire. She didn't seem fazed by the scene unfolding around her. With her usual nonchalance, she padded over and climbed onto my lap, curling up comfortably.

"I'm going to sleep a little. I'm too tired," she murmured, her tone soft and relaxed.

"Mhm," I hummed in approval, gently stroking her fur. For Malrang, I didn't mind at all. She was more than just my companion—she was the closest thing I had to a true friend.

While I waited for the others to show up, I chatted a bit with the girls. Jieun mentioned that the empire lacked the necessary funds, and though it was a pressing issue, I assured her that I'd find a solution soon. I had a few ideas in mind, but right now, more immediate matters demanded my attention.

Moments later, two tall men in their twenties stepped into the throne room. Both were robust but not overly bulky. One had long violet hair, while the other had short black hair and wore a black mask that concealed his face. Somehow, I could tell he was quite handsome beneath it. Then there was the woman—long black hair, strikingly beautiful, with almost jet-black eyes. Her white dress, though slightly revealing, was elegant and eye-catching, giving her the aura of a seductress. However, her innocent expression betrayed her looks, making her seem both alluring and harmless at once.

The three of them knelt before me the moment they stepped in, their voices ringing in unison. "Empress!"

I nodded. "Rise," I said casually but with a welcoming tone. They stood, their postures respectful yet strong.

So far, I liked them. They carried themselves like proper warriors.

"Please," I began, "I don't believe we've met before. State your names and roles." I could have easily inspected them using my powers and saved time, but it would have been rude, and I wanted to hear it from them.

The man with violet hair stepped forward first. "I'm Kim Min-Jae. I'm from Busan, and I love to fight. I hope we can get along, and I promise to serve the empire with everything I've got."

I couldn't help but laugh, which seemed to make him worry.

"I didn't ask for your life story," I teased, making him blush slightly from embarrassment. "But thank you. I'm from Seoul, pleased to have you on board. Now, your role?"

"My role is Void Slasher," he said, recovering his composure. "I specialize in manipulating the void around me, and I can easily slash through time and space. It's my most powerful feature, though it comes with many limitations." To demonstrate, he summoned an extremely long violet longsword and slashed at the air, creating a tear in the void—a skill eerily similar to my space shatter.

"Good. I like that," I said with a nod of approval. "Next."

The masked man stepped forward, his voice calm and casual. "I'm Park Ji-Hoon, Shadow Assassin." He summoned two sleek black daggers and disappeared from sight. In the next instant, he reappeared beside me, his daggers at my throat.

But I was ready. My scythe rested against his neck before he could blink.

"Good. I like you," I said with a grin. His eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting me to see through his move. It seemed to earn his respect, and he quickly stepped back, bowing deeply.

"I swear to serve this empire with my life," he declared while on his knees.

"Good," I said, turning my gaze to the woman.

"I believe we've met before, Empress, though I don't think you'd remember me," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I was part of the Kingdom of Gamers. But after witnessing your strength, I realized I wanted to serve you instead. You're so… cool!"

Suddenly, she started breathing heavily, her wide eyes giving me chills. I didn't want to imagine what was going through her head.

"Name?" I interrupted, snapping her out of whatever strange thoughts she was having.

"Yes!" she jumped, looking flustered. "I'm Lee Seo-Yeon, Frost Empress. I know the name sounds arrogant, but I swear the only one worthy of the title 'Empress' is you!" As if to prove her point, the temperature in the throne room plummeted, the entire space turning to ice. Her powers were incredible, but I quickly countered with my flames, restoring the balance before her frost killed the remaining men.

"Good," I said, nodding. "I like that. The three of you are more than welcome here."

I then turned my attention to the men kneeling on the floor.

"Prove your worth to me. Two kills each. Leave only the leader alive," I commanded.

The executions were swift. Within moments, only the leader remained, trembling on his knees. His face was pale, tears streaking down his cheeks.

I looked at the seven standing before me. They were strong, capable, and now proven. Their gazes met mine, filled with respect and readiness for whatever I commanded next.

"I name the seven of you the Demon Commanders of the Empire of the Undying Flame," I declared. "Your title reflects your strength. From this moment on, you are my most powerful warriors and my most trusted aides!"