《The Emperor Cant Catch A Break[A Cultivation LiRPG]》


 Prologue: The Legend Who Vanished

    "Mr. Wizard, can you tell us the story of the Heavenly Emperor again?" a small boy asked, eyes wide with excitement as he settled by the campfire.


    "Yeah, tell us that one!" another child chimed in, already inching closer.


    "He''s so cool!" exclaimed a third, practically bouncing with anticipation.


    The old man called Mithral¡ªthough few knew his true identity¡ªsmiled warmly at the children gathered around him. His weathered face crinkled at the eyes, illuminated by the dancing flames.


    "Very well," he said, stroking his long silver beard. "I suppose there''s always time for one more telling."


    The children cheered, and even some adults drew nearer, pretending they weren''t just as eager to hear the tale.


    Mithral cleared his throat and began.


    "Throughout Latvaria, from the humblest village to the most magnificent city, one legend eclipses all others¡ªthe tale of Edward Reinhart, the mortal hailed as the Strongest Under the Heavens.


    "Who was Edward? Where did he come from? These questions have filled countless scrolls, sparked endless debates among scholars, and inspired bards to craft songs that echo through generations.


    "To truly understand Edward, you must first understand the world into which he was born¡ªa realm of chaos, suffering, and perpetual conflict."


    The children leaned in closer as Mithral''s voice deepened.


    "The cosmos consists of five realms: The Mortal Realm, The Divine Realm, The Nether, The Abyss, and Hell. Each exists in precarious balance, though ''balance'' is perhaps too generous a term for their eternal struggle.


    "The Mortal Realm was the battleground¡ªsimultaneously blessed and cursed. The gods demanded worship, the demons craved bloodshed, and the monsters hungered for flesh. All immortals coveted the Mortal Realm as their prize, and mortals paid the price.


    "War, death, and poverty became as common as breathing. The gods bestowed abilities upon their chosen champions to defend themselves¡ªand, naturally, to grow the gods'' own power. The devils did the same. And so the cycle of violence continued, unbroken, until most mortals resigned themselves to being mere pawns in a cosmic game."


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    One of the younger children clutched her doll tighter, eyes wide.


    "But then," Mithral continued, his voice softening, "a child was born.


    "His origins remained unknown, even to himself. Yet somehow, this unremarkable babe would become the world''s final hope¡ªbringing salvation to a realm that had accepted its doom.


    "God or demon, all eventually knelt before him. Heaven''s Chosen. The Mortal who surpassed immortals. The Strongest Under The Heavens.


    "Edward Reinhart. The Mortal Who Rejected Immortality."


    "That''s the best part!" one of the boys interrupted.


    Mithral nodded sagely. "Yes¡ªhis refusal of eternal life was perhaps his most shocking act. A man who had slain gods, who had been offered ascension, chose to remain mortal. His pride and honor would not allow him to abandon his humanity. He had accomplished his goal: reuniting the Mortal Realm and bringing peace. What need had he for eternity?


    "As Emperor, he ruled justly. None in their right mind dared oppose him. Then one day, he simply vanished."


    The children gasped, despite having heard this part many times before.


    "No one knew where he went. Some suspected the remaining gods had set a trap. Others blamed demons. Many believed both had worked together to eliminate their greatest threat. Regardless, the Mortal Realm plunged into anguish. Reinhart had been their guiding star. Without him, hope dimmed.


    "The people revolted. War consumed the realm once more."


    Mithral''s voice grew softer, more reflective.


    "Centuries have passed since then. Peace has mostly returned, but people still speak of him¡ªa legend mothers tell their children to inspire hope and courage. The most popular theory holds that Edward was an emissary sent by the True God, the Creator of All Things. Or perhaps he was that Creator himself, come to balance the realms and restore peace."


    The storyteller paused, gazing into the fire as if seeing distant memories. The children waited, sensing there was more.


    "That''s enough for tonight, little ones," Mithral finally said, rising from his seat. "Off to bed with you all."


    The children groaned in disappointment but obeyed, scampering off to their tents, whispering excitedly about gods and demons and the legendary Emperor.


    Once alone, Mithral stared into the dying embers of the fire. He lifted his cup toward the star-filled sky, his voice barely a whisper.


    "Edward Reinhart, wherever you are now, I hope you finally found that peaceful life you always wanted, my friend."


    A shooting star streaked across the heavens as if in answer.


    <hr>


    Little did anyone know, across the vast boundaries of worlds and dimensions, Edward Reinhart was most definitely NOT having a peaceful life.