Infinite Paradise
Chapter 133 - 97 Emperor Caster (4000 words requested for subscription)

Chapter 133: 97 Emperor Caster (4000 words requested for subscription)

On a vast land blanketed by white snow, a merciless storm swept across, leaving only a young boy standing tall amidst the blizzard...

Although this scene felt somewhat deliberately contrived, the visual impact it created was undeniably intense. Years later, when people spoke of Caster, the Emperor of the Empire, they no longer focused on the mythical image of him drawing his sword, but rather on his divine-graced figure standing alone against the myriad of enemies in the snowstorm.

Of course, when an event is removed from the firsthand experience and recounted repeatedly by people, both its appearance and core tend to change. Such was the case with Caster’s tale. Future generations, when hearing this legend, focused mainly on the keywords of divine grace and facing thousands of enemies alone. But in reality, although it’s true he was graced by divinity, facing thousands alone...?

Not to mention Le Cheng, transformed into a tornado, was reaping all surrounding enemies, and the Empire’s Knight Order was not just for show. After the three Great Demons fumbled, the knights who regained their senses immediately led their troops to break through the Catastrophe Legion’s defenses, quickly shielding Caster in the middle.

Thus, from start to finish, the time Caster faced the enemy alone didn’t even exceed a minute.

"Emperor, are you alright?" the knights asked, finally relieved to see Caster unharmed but still couldn’t help inquiring.

"I’m fine." Caster smiled and shook his head. Although the surrounding temperatures were extremely cold, the concerned and anxious gazes from everyone warmed his heart.

Caster, unlike most of Sigma’s illegitimate children, held quite an insignificant existence.

After all, in times of war, to meet Sigma and bear his child after parting ways implied the woman belonged to at least a powerful household, if not immensely wealthy. There was often a utilitarian purpose behind such brief unions. So even if these children were not officially recognized Princes of the Empire, their maternal families could still provide them powerful protection and importance within the family. Many were directly trained as successors to their family’s lineage.

Like the Princes from outside Imperial Capital, who had come recently for the King Selection Ceremony, almost each one had their own guard detail.

But Caster was different. He remembered living a nomadic life among refugees since he could remember. To survive, he had worked as a beggar, a laborer, and even scavenged through trash for food, nearly dying once from poisoned food. This lifestyle continued until he was about seven or eight years old.

Later, he was adopted by a noble family due to his dirty and boyish appearance, thinking he was a boy. Despite having plenty of chores, such as chopping wood in the mountains and helping the family with manure, he at least had a refuge. Going to places wasn’t the same as before; he was no longer driven away because of his refugee status.

Every so often, this noble family even specially hired knights on duty to train the household servants.

It was then Caster began learning swordsmanship. Perhaps due to his innate talent or maybe because the bloodline of Sigma began to awaken, in just a few years, his swordsmanship rivaled the local knights. Due to his outstanding performance, he was promoted from a servant to a guard.

However, as he grew older, Caster gradually realized he was different from his peers and began feeling scared. What if someone discovered he was not a boy, would he lose this hard-earned job?

So, to avoid exposing himself, he cut his hair short, wrapped fabric around his chest, often smeared dirt on his face, and chose times when no one was around to use the bathroom or bathe. Carefully, he continued this way for over a year, until at age eleven, he encountered Guinevere, whose family had been destroyed and was being chased by monsters of the Catastrophe Legion.

As the enemies were few in number and only Miscellaneous Soldiers, Caster easily eliminated them, saving Guinevere.

After learning about Guinevere’s ordeal, Caster felt pity for her. Although with Guinevere’s identity, they could have sought help from the Empire, the concept of the Empire was too remote for them at that time. Moreover, since Guinevere’s father had just been betrayed by a subordinate, she was hesitant to trust others. Thus, after much deliberation, Caster used his meager income to purchase a small house in a secluded part of the town for Guinevere to live in, and he, too, came over whenever he could.

Since then, the two young children began a life of mutual dependence.

Guinevere was deeply grateful to Caster and always wanted to repay him. Upon discovering that although Caster was skilled in martial arts, he was illiterate, she began teaching him to read and write. Guinevere, being well-educated and intelligent, gradually transformed Caster from an illiterate into a well-rounded young man, proficient in both letters and arms.

Logically speaking, after spending long periods together, often even sleeping in the same room, it would be shocking indeed if nothing happened between a young boy and a girl.

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