"Wizard King, the army will breach the Diamond Kingdom's capital in two days…"
"Wizard King, the Queen of the Heart Kingdom has expressed her willingness to marry you to end the war…"
"Wizard King…"
Stacks of documents and war reports piled high on Ethan Hayes's desk. For the past half month, his life had been a dazzling display of luxury and power, one that many could only dream of.
Externally, the Clover Kingdom dominated its neighbors, conquering territories and achieving unmatched glory.
Internally, the kingdom was at peace. The populace knew only the Wizard King, not the king; his authority was absolute.
Even more personally, his private life was the envy of all—an endless array of breathtakingly beautiful companions awaited him each evening.
"Leave the files here, Yuno. I need some time alone," Ethan said with a wave of his hand, dismissing his personal aide.
Though he indulged in the lavish life presented to him, Ethan wasn't a fool lost in decadence. He questioned everything.
How did he become the Wizard King?
However, the answers he received from those around him were flawless and watertight, as if everything had truly happened.
But something about it felt wrong.
He remembered it all too clearly—falling into an endless abyss, a trap in the Demon Palace, not this pinnacle of power and prestige.
Still, it was hard to resist.
After all, wasn't this everything a person could ever desire? Money, power, and love—what more could anyone want?
The thought gnawed at him even as Noelle entered the room, carrying a tray.
"Wizard King, I've prepared soup for you. You can leave those reports for later," she said gently, radiating the aura of a caring spouse.
Ethan sipped the soup in silence before suddenly putting the spoon down and meeting Noelle's gaze.
"Do you love me?"
Caught off guard, Noelle hesitated before smiling. "Of course. You are the Wizard King, revered by all. To be your wife is an honor."
Ethan gave a faint smile and shook his head. "But I don't love you."
Her words felt hollow, and the sincerity he sought was absent.
He wanted beauty, power, and wealth—but not like this. It was all too easy, too perfect, and he hated it.
By the end of the day, Ethan made a shocking announcement.
The 29th Wizard King, Ethan Hayes, abdicates the throne!
The news spread like wildfire, leaving the entire kingdom in uproar. Why would he abandon such an ideal life?
Walking along a quiet country road, Ethan reflected on his decision.
Principles mattered.
What's the value of success if it's handed to you on a silver platter? He preferred to work for it, to achieve it with his own hands.
Suddenly, the landscape twisted before him, and the road disappeared. The world around him dissolved into chaos before plunging into darkness.
Ethan awoke in a large chamber.
Gold and jewels filled the room, enough to live a hundred lifetimes in unimaginable luxury. Yet he barely spared them a glance.
"So, I'm back…" he murmured, pulling out his grimoire.
Both of his Four-Leaf Clovers were intact, and his magic surged within him once more. This was reality.
The illusion had been powerful, tempting beyond reason. It had preyed on his deepest desires and created a world where every wish came true.
Yet he had rejected it.
Looking around, Ethan muttered, "There's got to be something here… this trap was way too elaborate for just treasure."
He searched the chamber thoroughly, but aside from gold and jewels, nothing seemed out of place—except for a small, green flame burning in the corner.
"A fire?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, approaching it cautiously.
This wasn't an ordinary flame. Despite burning brightly, it emitted no heat.
Grabbing a gold rod from the treasure pile, Ethan prodded the flame, only to find that the rod remained unscathed.
"Interesting…" he muttered, curiosity piqued.
Finally, he extended his hand, letting his fingers brush against the flame.
A sharp pain shot through him as a single drop of blood fell onto the fire.
The small flame roared to life, surging to the ceiling and illuminating the entire chamber. At the same time, Ethan felt a wave of weakness wash over him, as if his vitality was being drained away.
Breathing heavily, he staggered back, his face pale and his body trembling.
"What… is this thing?" Ethan gasped, staring at the now towering green flame.
-------------------------
Patreon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/Samorash