Rise of The Anti God

Tristen said as he made Kale put down his sword and said in a candid tone, "Actually, first brother, I am not really interested in becoming the emperor or even becoming the crown prince."

"Huh...what the hell are you talking about?" Kale had a baffled expression hearing his words, especially when it was Tristen saying this who was competing against him in every turn for the seat of the crown prince.

"Are you drunk or what?" Kale even unconsciously relaxed a bit since his mind was distracted after hearing these words.

Tristen looked at him and said calmly, "I am telling the truth, brother. I only joined this race because I had to...for my mother at least."

"What are you trying to say?" Kale asked with narrowed eyes.

"You just have to tell me one thing...do you wish to become the emperor, or do you want to become the crown prince?" Tristen asked with crossed arms as he sat on one of the chairs that were still left intact.

"What does that even mean? Only when one becomes a crown prince can one become the emperor," Kale said with a puzzled expression.

"You are right. But that is just the traditional way. What if you had the chance to become the emperor straight away without going through the bullshit of convincing our father, who, as you know, cares nothing about you or me but spends his time doing something that makes no benefit for our empire."

"Y-You...Do you have any idea what you just said? This could be considered treason!" Kale was not that dumb to not realize the hidden meaning behind Tristen's words.

He knew Tristen was indirectly talking about dethroning the Gale Emperor, who was not only their father but also the strongest man in the empire.

"If I report this to someone, even if they might not believe me, you will be under strict observation. I don't understand why you are being so brave about telling this to me. I could use this against you," Kale said with narrowed eyes.

Tristen's expression didn't change as he got up and said with a shrug, "You can do that if you want your father to continue to toy with his daughter-in-law, or should I say your wife?"

"You!!" Kale's expression contorted and twisted as he clenched his fists.

"Relax. I am just trying to make you remember that this is our father we are talking about. Do you think he really gives a fuck about us, especially after what he did to you?"

Kale lowered his head as his eyes quivered in rage, unconsciously replaying the things he saw in the projection in his mind, making his fingers dig into his palm.

Tristen continued with his hands behind his back, "Who knows if he even plans to make us kill each other over the throne or something worse like getting someone else to succeed him, probably an illegitimate son of his."

"That is absurd! We are his legitimate sons and ones closest in line for the throne," Kale said in a taut tone.

"Hmph, did you not experience enough shocks and surprises from him? Who is to say he can't bring about even more surprises? He is the emperor with all the power. He can do whatever he wants, and even if we are his sons, we are disposable since he can make a hundred more easily if he wanted to and groom them."

Tristen continued as he said in a convincing tone, "Who knows...maybe your own wife is conspiring with the emperor to act against you. What if she is trying to become his concubine after throwing you away?"

"NO! I won't allow it...she won't live long enough to destroy me…" Kale said as rage began to cloud his eyes.

"Then how about we work together to bring them both down and pay them back for treating us like shit?" Tristen asked as he maintained his gaze.

Kale slowly looked at him and said, "Are you kidding me? No one can dethrone our father. We are nothing but bugs before him, which he could swat off anytime. Do you think one becomes an emperor without having enough power to keep their empire in line?"

Damien inwardly nodded, seeing that Kale might not be a simpleton about everything and that he knew some things about managing an empire.

"Who said we have to face him directly? We do it step by step, and you don't have to worry about it as long as you can follow my plan."

Kale's expression became thoughtful, and after a few moments, he said, "Hmph, even if this whole thing sounds ridiculous and you are somehow able to pull it off, why should I trust you? What if you are doing all this to get the throne in a way that is not only easier but also makes sure that no one else can contend you?"

"Ha, if I wanted to become the emperor, I would have tried to get rid of you first and become the crown prince easily. But our father wronged my mother, and my life would have been difficult too if I didn't become skilled in alchemy. Besides, I no longer have any interest in managing anything related to the empire. Anyway, I can't convince you more than this. You are the one who has to take a leap of faith. You have two choices before you...either continue to become a fool before our father and your wife who gets daily care from him or...you can make them feel the pain you felt and become the emperor as well if everything goes as planned," Tristen said in a confident tone.

Kale's expression fluctuated a lot as he hesitated since what Tristen was asking him was no small matter.

He finally asked, "What is the catch here? I remember you asking me if I wanted to become the crown prince or the emperor? Also, you should know that if your plan fails, both our heads will roll."

Tristen smiled as he said, "I have to become the crown prince first, and that means I have to be the one retaking the Shizar Kingdom."