I Failed to Be a Hero, So I Became the God of Three Realms

Kaito stood alone in his chamber, staring at the vast stretch of open air beyond the window, his mind filled with a storm of thoughts. Val had left, no doubt to handle some matter with the nobles. But Kaito, the Emperor, felt anything but at ease. A tension coiled within him, tightening around his chest like a vice. How could it be that he simply thought, and things happened? Was it really that simple?

It all started after his banishment to the forest. That's when the strange occurrences began. He had thought something, and then—boom—it happened. He had initially dismissed it as some fluke or bizarre coincidence, but it kept happening. Every time he uttered a command, every time he focused his intent, things simply... shifted.

"Show Life Force," he thought, and a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

[[Notice. Amount of Life Force available: 80]]

"So, it burns rather quickly," Kaito muttered to himself. His eyes narrowed in thought. "But wait, didn't Halo mention something about using 10 Life Force for each action? I know I burned 20 at least."

Kaito rolled the events over in his mind. He had performed two distinct actions — finding the traitors, then confining them properly. That explained the higher consumption. But this only led to more questions.

"So, if I say everything at once, as long as it includes multiple actions, they'll drain differently?" He ruminated aloud, processing the implications.

"And what happens if my Life Force runs out?" He questioned again.

[[Nothing in particular. But for prolonged periods, like more than a day with such Life Force, you'll lose your power, and your lifespan will be reduced by five decades, at the very least.]]

The voice's impassive tone only made Kaito's heart skip a beat. At the very least? Five decades? That was no small matter. "I need to be careful from now on."

Kaito exhaled, trying to calm his racing thoughts. But that calmness didn't last long. The matter of the traitors still loomed large in his mind. It was time to deal with them. Not in their cells—no, that would be too... ordinary. Kaito had something far more dramatic planned.

"I hereby proclaim that the nobles in the special cell are all accused of treachery, and as such, I shall oversee their judgment myself. Anyone who wishes to be present during the judgment shall be allowed to enter the court as well."

He couldn't help but smirk to himself at the boldness of his proclamation. It was an extravagant move, but Kaito had learned the value of spectacle in his role as Emperor. He needed to show the nobility that he wasn't to be trifled with, while also maintaining the respect of the people.

Now came the tricky part—gathering evidence and ensuring that no one attending the trial would be there to cause problems.

First, Kaito raised his hand, his fingers tracing invisible lines in the air. "All the evidences of plotting against the Empire by all individuals shall be in front of me."

In an instant, an avalanche of papers appeared before him, each one brimming with damning evidence—notes, plans, communications, all meticulously compiled. His eyes scanned them briefly, before he turned to the Royal Knights nearby.

"Handle these," Kaito commanded, voice firm. "Make sure these are delivered to the court in proper order."

The Knights nodded dutifully, taking the papers without question.

Kaito then thought of the next step. The symbol. The crest that would bind his will to the actions of the traitors—and, by extension, everyone who sought to undermine the Empire.

With another wave of his hand, he drew the symbol, a complex and elegant crest, on a blank piece of parchment.

"Anyone within the Empire who intends to act against the Empire in any malicious way, or helps those who do so, shall have the crest drawn in the paper in my hand on their forehead."

He paused, watching as the symbol glowed faintly on the paper before him, its edges curling as if alive with power.

He gritted his teeth as he felt a strange pull, an unnatural drain of his Life Force. 40 Life Force. His eyes widened as the energy disappeared into the action. That was far more than he'd anticipated.

"Now, I just need to order the Royal Knights to arrest anyone who has this symbol on their forehead. Surely the pile of evidence will include theirs." He said to himself.

He hadn't even realized how deep into his plan he'd fallen until a voice interrupted him.

"Wait, they can't do that!" It was Val's voice, sharp and full of concern. She stood at the entrance, her eyes wide with disbelief as she glanced between Kaito and the glowing symbol in his hand.

Kaito blinked, his mind racing to catch up. He hadn't noticed her arrival, too wrapped up in his own thoughts.

"Why? Is there a problem?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Yes. It'll cause a huge public uproar if you start arresting everyone with just a symbol their forehead," Val replied, her voice level. "It'll make the Empire look like a tyrannical regime."

Kaito sighed, his hand dropping as he absorbed her words. "That is true. If we arrest everyone on the basis of a symbol on their forehead, it'll cause fear and distrust among the people."

"Exactly." Val nodded, crossing her arms. "The people need to trust their leaders. If they feel oppressed or persecuted, it'll backfire."

Kaito frowned, his mind working through the problem. "Then... what shall we do? We can't overlook this issue—it's a matter of safety for everyone, the Empire's future is at stake."

"I know," Val said, stepping closer with a calm air about her. "And there's a better way. Come on in!"

Kaito raised an eyebrow as Val called someone else into the room. Out of nowhere, a figure appeared, a young woman with raven-black hair and piercing eyes. She moved like a shadow, blending into the room almost imperceptibly, her presence both eerie and graceful.

"This is Rosa, the leader of the 'Shadow Corp.'" Val introduced her with a subtle smile.

"Shadow Corp?" Kaito asked, confusion flickering on his face.

"Yes," Val explained. "It's an organization responsible for intelligence, espionage, and other confidential matters. They report directly to me." She turned to Rosa. "You can use them to secretly restrain and arrest those with the mark."

Kaito's eyes brightened at the prospect. This was a far better solution—covert, precise, and less likely to cause public unrest. Rosa nodded politely, her expression unreadable.

"That sounds better." Kaito said.

"Rosa, watch this mark carefully. Make sure everyone in the Empire who has this mark on their forehead is arrested for the time being." Val ordered.

"Understood, Milady. As you wish," Rosa said, her voice cool and professional.

Kaito couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The obstacles for the judgment trial were suddenly much less daunting, and he could now proceed with his plans.

As he turned to look at Val, a thought crossed his mind. He'd always known Val to be capable, but this... this was different. The way she handled the situation, the way she spoke with confidence and authority, made him realize just how much he had underestimated her. For the first time, he saw the true extent of her power and intelligence.

"Rosa, was it?" Kaito said, shifting his focus back to the young woman. "I have an idea regarding the Shadow Corp. I'd like to discuss it with you and Val after the judgment trial."

"As you wish, My Lord," Rosa responded, her tone neutral yet respectful.

Kaito nodded, then turned his attention back to Val, who was watching him with a thoughtful expression.

"Let's make sure everything is prepared," he said, his voice low but resolute. "We can't afford any mistakes. The future of the Empire depends on this trial."

Val simply nodded, a rare glimmer of admiration in her eyes as she glanced at Kaito.

"Of course, My Lord."

And with that, Kaito steeled himself for what was to come. The judgment would be the beginning of a new chapter, and he needed to ensure it was done properly—no matter the cost.

The courtroom was a spectacle of tension. A sea of faces, the majority of them common folk, filled the space. The nobles, however, were confined to a corner, shackled and silent, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. This was no ordinary trial. This was Kaito's judgment day for them, and every soul in the room could feel the weight of his gaze.

Kaito and Val sat atop the grand throne at the back of the court, positioned to oversee the entire affair. As monarchs, their role was to not only observe but also to pass judgment on those who dared betray the empire. The air was thick with anticipation, and every action was meticulously recorded for posterity. Kaito's thoughts were sharp, his mind racing, but his posture remained unshaken. This was a moment of power, of control—and he relished it.

The proceedings began with the presentation of evidence—mountains of documents, letters, secret correspondence, and testimonies from those who had witnessed the treachery of the accused. The nobles' attempts to conceal their guilt crumbled under the weight of the facts. Each piece of evidence confirmed their involvement, and as Kaito watched the trial unfold, the faces of the accused grew more and more contorted with fear. They never thought their secrets would be exposed, let alone in such a dramatic fashion.

Despite their guilt, however, the evidence didn't end there. The revelation of 158 additional conspirators, some of them high-ranking nobles, was like a bombshell that rocked the courtroom. These were people who had been marked by Kaito's command—those who dared to plot against the empire in ways that could destroy the delicate balance of power.

The officials who had been loyal to the traitors were swiftly rounded up and brought in for their own trial. They didn't expect this additional round of scrutiny. The punishment that would follow wasn't just a formality; it was a necessity, and Kaito was determined to see it through. He ordered Rosa to gather them all, and as the room was filled with the 158 traitors, the tension reached a boiling point. Nobles of high houses, commoners, all equally guilty, now stood before him.

Kaito turned to Val, his voice quiet yet commanding. "The trial wasn't enough. We need to address this now."

Val nodded and whispered, "Understood. Let's ensure they receive the punishment they deserve."

The deliberations were swift. Kaito had already made up his mind. With a steady hand, he issued the decree, his voice ringing clear and final throughout the courtroom.

"I hereby sentence all nobles who were initially charged with treason to be stripped of their nobility and titles. All funds shall be seized, and they shall be imprisoned for the rest of their lives," Kaito proclaimed. He hesitated for only a moment, a fleeting thought about the death sentence, but dismissed it. He couldn't bring himself to make that call, not just yet.

He turned his gaze to the 158 additional traitors. His judgment for them was just as harsh. "As for those of noble birth among the additional conspirators, they too will be stripped of their titles, their estates seized, and they will be sentenced to a lifetime of imprisonment. As for the others... they will serve 20 years in prison."

There was no room for mercy. The decision had been made.

As the judgment was carried out, Kaito stood silently, watching as the traitors were led away, their fates sealed. For a brief moment, a wave of satisfaction surged within him. The Empire had been cleansed of its cancer, and the treasonous scum had been purged. It was a job well done, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something greater was at play. A deeper sense of power, of control, had blossomed within him.

Curious about the effect of his emotions, Kaito instinctively muttered to himself, "Show Life Force."

[[Notice. Amount of Life Force Available: 320.]]

A slight grin tugged at the corners of his lips. So, positive emotions did indeed affect his reserves. It was an interesting discovery—one he would explore further in time. But for now, his focus shifted to the next task at hand.

The Shadow Corp. The mysterious group, once only a whisper in the shadows, had now proven themselves a valuable asset. Kaito had an idea, a spark of inspiration that could bring something truly innovative to the Empire.

The trial was over, and Kaito's mind was already turning to the next big thing—what came after securing the Empire from its internal threats. As the weight of the trial's aftermath hung in the air, Kaito knew that the Empire's future rested not only on dealing with internal dissent but on ensuring its survival against the most dangerous threat known to humanity: the Demons. He turned to Val, ready to set the stage for something that could change everything.

"I suppose, it's about time now. I've got an interesting idea regarding the Shadow Corp. Can you summon Rosa to the chamber?" Kaito asked, his voice filled with a rare sense of urgency.

"Sure. See you there." Val's response was swift, and she left without another word, her expression unreadable as she exited. Kaito knew that the conversation ahead would be unlike any they had before.

The moment Val left, Kaito sat back in his chair, a storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. The Demons. He'd learned when he just became the Emperor that they were the Empire's greatest external threat. They were cunning, ruthless, and relentless—humanity's natural enemy. If there was any way to ensure the Empire's safety, it had to come from understanding and controlling the Demons, and he knew that wasn't an easy task.

The idea had come to him soon after his ascension to the throne. The Demons were not just an enemy—they were an unknown. So, what if he could find a way to gather intelligence on them, a way to outsmart them before they ever had a chance to strike?

And then the idea struck.

[[Hey, why not send someone to spy on the Demons, blackmail their monarch, and sign a peace treaty?]]

Kaito stopped, staring at the ceiling, a moment of disbelief passing over him. "Wait, it's even possible?!"

It sounded almost too dramatic, too outlandish. But when he thought about it, it was not unlike the political tactics he had seen in his world. Spying. Blackmail. Treaties. That's how world leaders worked. In theory, it could work.

But then, the reality hit. No knight, no general, not even the most skilled assassin could venture into the Demons' domain and return unscathed. It was far too risky. Even with a 100% success rate, it was an almost suicidal task. The lives of his people were too important to gamble on such a dangerous mission.

Kaito dismissed the idea, but not entirely. The seed had been planted.

When Val returned with Rosa, explaining the Shadow Corp's potential, Kaito's hope was reignited. Maybe, just maybe, this would be the way to make the impossible possible. The Demon Espionage. It seemed crazy, but it felt worth the risk.

As they all gathered in the chamber, Kaito wasted no time. "So, Rosa, what types of espionage has the Shadow Corp carried out?" he asked, eager to learn how far their reach truly was.

"We've done espionage on all types of conditions. There's no place we can't spy on, at least we haven't figured such a place yet," Rosa replied coolly, her usual calm demeanor betraying none of the excitement Kaito felt. She was the best of the best, and he needed her on this.

Kaito's voice dropped a bit, his eyes narrowing with intent. "Then... what about the Demons' Realm?"

Rosa's eyes widened. She wasn't sure if what he said was true or she's just hearing things.

Val's expression mirrored Rosa's, but she was even more vocal. "This isn't some joke, Kaito. What are you even thinking?"

Kaito remained resolute. "It's not a joke. If we can spy on the Demonic Empress of Umbrosia, who rules over all the Demons, and somehow use that information to blackmail her, we could force them to sign a peace treaty. And as I've heard, Demons rarely sign treaties, but when they do, they never back out of them, no matter the cost."

Val was silent for a moment before speaking, "I never knew you were this harsh. But setting that aside, isn't it a bit too risky?"

Kaito could sense the hesitation. Even Rosa, the unshakable shadow, was concerned. "I know it's risky. That's why I have my concerns, too. If I can't find a suitable candidate, I'll go myself—"

"No, you wouldn't." Val interrupted him before he could finish the sentence, her voice sharp and desperate. She looked like she was about to break down, as though the mere thought of Kaito risking himself in such a dangerous mission was too much for her.

Rosa stepped forward, trying to ease the tension. "There's no need to worry, Milady. We can accomplish this without the need for His Majesty to risk his life."

Kaito appreciated Rosa's calmness. It was the only thing holding Val together at this point. "Thanks, Rosa. I owe you one," he thought to himself.

But Val wasn't done. "I know you're being logical, Kaito, but there's a line, and this is crossing it. I can't bear to think of you risking yourself like that."

Kaito softened for a moment, seeing Val's concern, but he remained focused. "Fine. I'll allow it. But only this once. If any of you fail or are about to get caught, abort the mission. Don't sacrifice your life for it. Life is more important than any mission, remember that."

Val sighed, her worry still evident but softened by Kaito's command. "Fine. But this is the last time I'll allow something like this."

The very next day, Rosa and five other trusted members of the Shadow Corp set out for the Demonic Realm. They entered through a portal, created after the destruction of the Dungeon Cores, and ventured into the unknown. It was a dangerous mission, but Kaito had placed his trust in Rosa, and he knew she would not fail.