Chapter 96

Urgent! Seeking opinions on heirs.

As mentioned earlier, this book satisfies reader demands.

Now, regarding the issue of heirs.

Please state your preference in the corresponding branch; I’ll use your input to decide the future plot direction.

First, no biological heirs: adopt Arthur, Beowulf, or other outstanding natives as adopted sons; the empire adopts an elective imperial system where those who render great service to the empire may become electors and ascend as Augustus.

This returns to the Caesar-era system, similar to the Principate, rather than hereditary imperial succession.

Beings above dimensions merely wander among mortals, unconcerned with lineage or how long the empire lasts; they leave everything to posterity and do their best.

Second, have heirs but cannot conceive normally; must use Legend Points, akin to innate transcendence, allowing one to imprint a power upon oneself, with descendants having only a minuscule chance of inheriting it. (I personally lean toward Dragon Bloodline.)

Adoption remains valid, useful for enfeoffing remote Nordic regions—for example, adopting Beowulf and granting him Norway and the far corners of Sweden.

A unified dynasty is extremely difficult; Europe is inherently chaotic.

Early imperial succession, later transitioning to the Holy Roman Empire’s electoral system, entering the feudal era.

The protagonist’s bloodline endures as a minor noble family across millennia: drawback—difficult to produce heirs, extremely few; advantage—elite specialization, descendants have a chance to manifest Dragon Bloodline; even if the empire falls, the family’s lineage remains unharmed.

Return power to the people.

Since the protagonist bears little karmic burden, the empire’s decline is due to incompetent successors, while his bloodline still enjoys glory and escapes retribution.

Let it extend casually into modern times.

Third, have heirs via conventional feudal imperial path.

Advantage: spread seed widely, enfeoff numerous kings, keep the throne within bloodline; Europe undergoes a complete bloodline overhaul. Disadvantage: feudal empires’ fate is uncertain—if the empire collapses, the protagonist’s descendants will suffer terribly, likely slaughtered and tormented.

Do not return power to the people.

When the Byzantine Empire fell, all male royals were executed, and women became playthings.

Those who enjoyed the glory of empire’s birth must endure the agony of its destruction.

To hold the throne by bloodline is to bear all karmic consequences; only modern dynasties have a chance at an honorable end. Historically, French emperors were beheaded.

Yet the bloodline will spread across the land, and dynastic restorations will occur intermittently.

Please review and offer opinions so I can decide how to proceed with the world’s historical trajectory. If you have better, more plausible alternatives, feel free to propose them for collective consideration.

Like the excellent conclusion of the first volume’s crowdfunding.

No dynasty lasts forever; not all descendants can be elite.

This background thread influences events a thousand years ahead; it determines how I construct the modern, futuristic, and supernatural Earth timelines. The first volume’s ending will decide whether succession passes to heirs or to a chosen worthy imperial successor.

With such vast territory, enfeoffment is inevitable: enfeoff Nordic regions, Eurasian and Russian territories, Carthaginian and Egyptian lands, Seleucid territories, Mesopotamia, and more.

As above.

Of course, if readers prefer small kingdoms, then unify Europe, merge East and West Empires, have the heir continue expansion, then decline into historical cycles.

This option is popular; I can write it, since such vast territory is truly overpowered.

Future expansion will accelerate, described less minutely, with greater time spans—replaced by the daily rise of the dragon.

Because the dragon’s timeline is exceptionally long.

After coronation as Augustus, only major historical events will be recorded.

Thus, the first volume concludes with a solid ending.

Subsequent volumes will not be “conquer the world” power fantasies; instead, I’ll experiment with new Shuangwen styles from other perspectives—e.g., a dragon lord who never worries about governance, avoiding imperial bureaucracy.

After the first volume’s ending, the story shifts from grand historical trends to the protagonist returning as an immortal spirit, occasionally observing how the world has changed.

The church plotline ends with the Holy Grail and the War of Spirits—when the Hall of Spirits fuses with the world and becomes law.

Use spirit warfare to resolve part of the supernatural world’s conflicts, even to sustain a faith through spirit battles.

If spirits keep losing, a faith may perish.

The protagonist’s existence alters the Great Retreat of Myth, stabilizing it at a low-to-mid magic stage; as long as his immortal spirit endures, the world’s power ceiling remains intact.

Seems I’ve said too much again.

No wonder you all always say I’m water—haha, I’ll try to cut back.

Urgent! Urgent! Urgent!

How should I handle the heirs? Let me see your thoughts.