Dancing on the golden ashes

The moment I heard that voice call out to me, an overwhelming urge to slash at the person who dared speak my name consumed me. That disgusting mouth of his, spewing fake love and concern—it made my skin crawl. I didn't need to hear him.

I turned toward the voice, my eyes locking onto a man sitting in the very corner of a cell. His face was partially obscured by an unkempt beard and tangled hair, a shadow of the person I once knew. I hadn't seen this beast in years, and now, seeing him like this—a broken, pitiful mess—I savored the sight.

"Father," I said coldly, my voice devoid of any warmth. Slowly, I walked toward the cell and wrapped my fingers around the cold, rusted metal bars. My gaze met his, unflinching and sharp as a blade.

"My precious daughter, you…" his weak voice trembled. "You, what are you doing here? What happened to you? Why do you look like that?" There was something foreign in his tone—concern?

A spark of rage ignited in my chest, growing into a roaring flame. I had been so careful, controlling my emotions, reigning in my anger—but this man, this family, always knew how to drag it all out of me.

"Why do you suddenly care?" I hissed, venom dripping from every word. "I'm already amazed you even recognized me."

His eyes met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw what looked like genuine concern. But there was no fear—none. That only fueled my fury further.

"I've always cared about you, my daughter—"

I cut him off with a sharp, bitter laugh. "You? Care about me? Out of all people, you?" I shook my head, a hollow laugh escaping my lips. "This is hilarious. I thought—just for a moment—that maybe it was okay for me to save you. What a joke."

I dimmed the golden flames that surrounded me and stepped back from the cell.

"Rot in hell, old man. You don't deserve to be saved. Save yourself if you can."

"Gaon! Wait!" For the first time in forever, he called out my name—not with anger, but with desperation. Yet, I didn't stop. His pleas fell on deaf ears as I turned away, my heart heavy, my mind a swirling storm.

I entered another chamber, this one much larger than the last. My father's weak calls echoed faintly in the distance, but I forced myself to block them out. I couldn't let myself falter.

This room was different—ominous and grim. Several monstrous creatures stood in the center, their grotesque forms illuminated by flickering torchlight. They were torturing humans, though no screams came from their victims. The people tied to massive poles, their arms and legs bound tightly, were hollow shells—souls long since broken.

The chamber was brightly lit, making it easy for everyone to see me the moment I stepped in. Instantly, a massive uproar churned through the room.

"Saved!"

"WE'RE SAVED!"

The people caged within screamed like madmen, their voices echoing through the cavern. None of them wore clothes, their emaciated bodies a grotesque display of what this place had reduced them to—livestock. A human zoo.

At the far end of the chamber sat a massive stone throne, and on it lounged a towering beast, at least three meters tall. It appeared to be enjoying the chaos around it, but the moment its eyes locked onto mine, its composure cracked. Fear radiated from it as it sensed my aura, though I could still see a spark of rebellion lingering in its gaze.

Inspect!

[High Human]

[Level 102]

[Mythical-Grade Monster]

A "High Human," huh?

I raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. The name sounded impressive, but looking at this thing, it was almost laughable. To call these creatures "high" was a stretch.

Let's see just how high they really are.

With a guttural growl from their leader, the other monsters sprang into action. At least fifty of them charged at me from all sides, their snarls echoing through the chamber.

I didn't even flinch. With a snap of my fingers, my Sovereign's Domain enveloped them. The entire room shifted into darkness, trapping them within my world. It only took a few swift slashes to deal with every single one of them.

[Congratulations!]

[You have reached Level 62!]

[You have reached Level 63!]

The system's notifications rang in my ears. Another level-up. Every day, I was growing stronger. All I needed now was to kill another king to ascend even further.

"So pathetic," I said, a mocking grin spreading across my face. I turned my gaze to the leader still seated on his throne. "Come here and bow before your empress, or do you want to die like the rest of them?"

My voice was cold and commanding as I stared him down. Yet, despite the fear etched across his grotesque features, he didn't move. His rebellious spirit burned faintly in his eyes, though I knew it wouldn't last long.

"Is that?" Suddenly, a familiar voice struck my ears like a bolt of lightning.
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"No, this can't be my older sister. She…" The voice made me freeze.

"Nuri?" I whispered, my voice trembling as I turned toward the massive cage.

There he stood—a young man, barely in his twenties. It had been years since I last saw that face, one that had once been so familiar to me.

"It is you!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm. But in the next instant, his eyes widened with terror. "Watch out!" he screamed.

There was no need for concern.

A massive sword came crashing down, aiming for my back. Without even turning, I extended my hand, gripping the blade mid-swing. The force of the strike dissipated as though it were nothing. The beast holding the weapon pulled desperately, trying to free it from my grasp, but how could it match my power?

I wonder how many levels I'll gain from this one.

My grip tightened, the blade cracking under the pressure before shattering completely. The monster stumbled back, falling onto its backside, tears welling in its wide eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid? Oh… poor boy…" I mocked, stepping closer. Reaching out, I gently lifted its trembling chin, caressing it like one might console a frightened child. The beast's fear seemed to fade, replaced by a misplaced hope. Perhaps it believed I would spare it.

In the next moment, its head exploded into a mist of blood.

[Congratulations!]

[You have reached Level 68!]

"Five levels?" I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips. "Not bad at all." My heart raced with excitement.

"I don't need trash like you as a subordinate," I muttered coldly, stepping over its lifeless body.

The humans in the room screamed, their terror palpable. But amidst the chaos, one person's gaze remained unchanged. Nuri's eyes—filled with admiration, the same look he'd given me all those years ago when I dominated the player-versus-player rankings. Back then, he was just a teenager, cheering me on during my impossible victories. And now, even after everything, that same look of unwavering faith pierced through me.

"Big sis…" he said softly, his voice gentle and full of longing. "I've missed you…"

Those words hit me like a dagger. Once upon a time, they would have brought me joy. Nuri had been more than just my brother; he'd been my best friend. But now, hearing them only filled me with conflict.

"I'm only here because of the others," I said, avoiding his gaze. The words felt hollow, a weak attempt to mask my emotions.

With a few swift slashes, I broke the cages, freeing the humans trapped inside. My beasts moved efficiently, gathering the survivors.

"I am Lee Gaon, Empress of the Empire of Undying Flame," I announced, my voice echoing through the chamber. "I've come to rescue my people. Those who wish to join us are welcome. Swear your loyalty to me, and my empire will aid in your recovery. Together, we will rebuild your lives."

My tone carried both gentleness and authority, and the words seemed to cut through their despair.

Many of the prisoners, though broken and weak, dropped to their knees. The echoes of their chants filled the chamber.

"Empress!"

"Thank you!"

"Glory to the Empress!"

The scene would have been almost heartwarming if it weren't for the weight pressing on my chest. My beasts worked swiftly, collecting the captives. Soon, only one person remained in his cage—my father, left behind at my command.

"Sister, just what happened to you?" Nuri asked, his voice filled with curiosity and worry as he stepped closer. He'd hastily clothed himself with scraps of fabric from the dead monsters. "Your hair… it's completely white now. You look like a snow princess. And your eyes… your horns! Are those real? Can I touch your wings?"

He sounded so much like the boy I used to know, the one who would pester me with questions and follow me everywhere. But something in his casual tone stung. I wanted him to apologize first, to show even the smallest hint of remorse for abandoning me. Yet he stood there, acting like nothing had happened.

"I've changed," I said curtly, turning away.

"Sister, wait!" he called, running after me. His voice trembled, as if unsure of what he wanted to say.

When I reached my father's cage, he was already watching me, his expression as sour as ever. His eyes darted between me and Nuri, and I could see the displeasure etched on his face.

"Of course..." I muttered. "Still selfish, still ungrateful..."

I gripped the cold metal bars, staring into his hollow eyes.

"Choose, Father," I said, my voice icy. "Die here, and Nuri lives… or kill him, and you can walk free."