CHAPTER 331: INHERITANCE

Power is a double-edged sword. It can help someone rise and bring prosperity to those around them, but it can also kill you and others.

Of course, "kill" here can mean either spiritually or physically. Humans are born greedy and covetous. They will never be satisfied with what they have, even if it’s far more than what others possess.

The incident that happened to the fifth emperor in the past made Nolan realize once again how dangerous human desires can be.

I hope Elina never changes. Otherwise... His voice trailed off, and his expression turned gloomy.

The reason he helped Elina wasn’t just because of his promise to their father or the condition for leaving the throne succession. Since childhood, the girl had dreamed of becoming an emperor like her father.

Over time, her ambition didn’t fade—it grew stronger, and Nolan noticed it.

However, it would be a lie to say he wasn’t afraid. He feared that his sister might be seduced by power and turn into a cruel figure in the future.

There had been many such cases, and the only thing Nolan could do was keep her focused on her original goal of becoming a true leader.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he lifted his head and stared at the statue in front of him.

"So, what exactly are you waiting for? And why is your consciousness trapped inside your magic staff?" Nolan asked curiously.

He remembered that in the story, the first prince had built a statue for him and placed his magic staff beside it.

So, chronologically, the fifth emperor must have died a few days or months before the statue was completed.

"From the beginning, I had a bad feeling about what would happen to me," the statue replied calmly. "That’s why I left a piece of my power and my legacy in this staff."

He stared at the magic staff in his right hand with a nostalgic gaze. "I did everything so I could pass it on to my descendants."

Nolan fell silent upon hearing this. His expression grew complicated. The fifth emperor was different from the emperors before and after him. He was a mage—not just any mage, but one of the Celestial level.

At first, Nolan found it strange that someone so powerful could be poisoned so easily.

But after hearing his story, he understood. The poison his wife used back then was created by all the Celestial mages in the imperial palace.

The ingredients were the most toxic in the world. So, it was no wonder that even someone like him could fall so easily.

"Since I’m your descendant, does that mean I’m entitled to your inheritance?" Nolan asked jokingly.

The statue studied Nolan carefully, then nodded. "Of course you are. However, you’re very strong—I can’t even see you clearly, as if there’s a hidden veil covering you completely. May I ask... who are you really?"

The power emanating from Nolan gave him goosebumps. And he knew the young man was suppressing most of it, letting only a small amount leak out.

Still, even that small amount of power was enough to make him feel a profound threat. What would happen if Nolan unleashed it fully?

Nolan chuckled softly as he stood. "Actually, my identity is a closely guarded secret. Even my mother and sister don’t know. But..."

A thin smile curved his lips as he folded his arms across his chest. "Since you’ve shared everything with me, I don’t mind returning the favor. My name is Nolan Lorian, the sixth prince of the Great Velmora Empire. And my other identity is... the Singularity of Chaos."

The moment he spoke the title, space and time around them trembled violently, as if the very fabric of reality might collapse under the weight of those words.

The statue sensed it clearly—and fear took hold.

"Singularity... of Chaos? How is that possible? Why would my descendant become one of the Seven Singularities?" His voice shook with horror.

The Seven Singularities had existed for ages, long before his time. They were terrifying beings capable of overturning entire continents.

If they were angered, even the Great Velmora Empire could be reduced to a wasteland.

Fortunately, they were forbidden from interfering in the affairs of the continent and could act only when something was truly beyond control.

And now, the young man standing before him was this generation’s Singularity of Chaos.

He could feel the truth in every word Nolan spoke—there was no way it could be a lie.

Quickly, he stood and bowed his head slightly.

"Leonidas Lorian greets the Singularity of Chaos," he said with deep respect.

Nolan was startled and raised his right hand slightly. Instantly, the bowed statue was lifted by an unseen force.

"Old man, what are you doing?" Nolan frowned. "Even if you’re only a remnant of my ancestor’s consciousness, you are still part of him—which means you are him. So don’t bow like that."

He disliked being shown excessive respect. It felt uncomfortable and... slightly annoying.

The statue looked genuinely surprised. At first, he had thought Nolan was just an arrogant young man hungry for fame. Clearly, he had misjudged him.

"By the way," Nolan said as he stepped closer, "give me your inheritance."

The statue was speechless. He had been too quick to judge this young man.

"What are you waiting for?" Nolan’s eyebrows rose slightly. "Don’t worry, it’s not for me. It’s useless to me. I’ll give it to one of my sisters, who is also your descendant."

If his calculations were correct, the Magic Academy of Falling Stars would give all its students a vacation in the coming weeks.

His third sister, Sharon Lorian—one of the students there—would naturally return to the palace.

The plan was to pass the inheritance to her. She was the most accomplished student, with exceptional talent in magic.

The magic staff and the Fifth Emperor’s inheritance would suit her perfectly.

The statue said nothing further. Nolan was right—he had already promised to hand over his inheritance.

Besides, there was no point in keeping it, as he would soon disappear.

"Take this magic staff," the statue said, handing over the giant golden staff in his right hand.

Whoosh!

The staff emitted a brilliant light, and its size gradually shrank until it returned to its original form.

Nolan held it, turning it slowly in his hands. "This staff is quite impressive."

"My inheritance is within it. Whoever you entrust this staff to will advance rapidly in magic. I can guarantee it," the statue stated firmly.

Nolan smiled faintly. "I believe that. Thank you, old man."

The statue smiled in return, his body suddenly glowing with a faint white light.

Seeing this, he realized the time had come. Turning to Nolan, he asked calmly, "Has the succession to the throne begun?"

Nolan nodded. "Yes, it started several months ago."

The statue opened his palm. A golden orb of light appeared and slowly floated toward Nolan.

"Take this. It is my blessing. Whoever wins later... give it to them..."