The Emperor

The enormous sun hung high in the sky, its scorching rays pouring down upon the world.

In a fertile, bountiful field, countless little farmers bent over beneath the blazing sun, diligently tending the land.

Sweat continuously trickled down the farmers' dark skin.

"This year's sun is truly vicious... Could it be that the dragon is wreaking havoc again?"

At that moment, one farmer straightened up, wiped the sweat from his brow, and spoke with a troubled expression.

Hearing him, another farmer working beside him immediately looked terrified. He anxiously stopped him and whispered, "Keep your voice down. If it finds out, we'll be the ones to suffer!"

The farmer looked miserable and let out a helpless sigh before bending down again to continue working the field.

Just then.

Rumble!

With a deafening boom, the earth began to tremble violently!

Feeling the fierce shaking beneath their feet, the farmers all straightened up. Their bodies swayed as they looked into the distance, their faces filled with panic and terror.

"W-What happened!?"

"I-I don't know! Could it really be a dragon beast wreaking havoc!? W-We should run!"

Just as the farmers were overcome with worry, a series of galloping hoofbeats came from the distance!

"Clatter!" "Clatter!" "Clatter!"...

The terrified farmers hurriedly looked over. Amid countless clouds of dust, a large group of galloping steeds came charging toward them.

Every rider wore military attire. They were samurai soldiers, each with a resolute expression and heavy, sturdy armor.

At the front rode a handsome young man on a white horse. His jet-black hair was tied beside his ears, and a golden band circled his head. His expression was firm as he raced at the very front.

When the farmers working in the fields saw him, they froze for a moment before their faces filled with