"Yes! That is the true meaning of evolution! Flesh, soul, the Void, chaos—and, of course, machines! For evolution, for transcending truth, everything is worth it! I can even touch the laws of the passage between the two worlds with my soul! If I master the Enlighteners' laws, why would I cling to my original body?"
"Sure, you're both vile slave-owning rulers, but compared to you, even Brin seems almost human."
"Yes. So I accepted defeat with open eyes, at the cost of my life and historical reputation. Brin can take my place and bear this eternal duty. It is the fate of every emperor! Young man, tell me: can she break these shackles? Can she surpass me?"
"That sounds noble, but she doesn't see it that way. And neither do the other electors. Once you fall, Brin and King Wei will immediately come to blows. Have you made any arrangements for that? Hidden a will behind the plaque in Dragon's Presence Palace?"
"Protect, guide, and... select. I fought for myself, but also for these!" The Emperor's luminous eyes blazed with madness, yet held a trace of weariness, as if he had already resigned himself to surrendering to fate.
"The Empire's final mystery will send the Void Crown to the person best suited to receive it. That is its duty! As for you, you can witness all of this, then, with your 'death,' witness the truth of this universe. Ahahaha! You, too, will become part of this grand vision."
At this point, Yu Lian could actually hear the quotation marks in the Emperor's words.
It was obvious that there was a great deal to debate about this so-called "death."
"The Void Crown came for the Empire's vision, and for the purpose of the universe. None of you can avoid it. Not